ISSUED FOHTNI6HTLY 



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HEATH'S HOME AND SCHOOL CLASSICS 



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THE 

WINTER'S TALE 

ABRIDGED AND EDITED BY 
SARAH WILLARD HIESTAND 



WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AFTER DRAWINGS 

BY HAMILTON, OPJE, WHEATLEY, 

AND A\ RIGHT 



"1 i 1 




D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS 
BOSTON, T^ S. A. 




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w^ 







iJOlItl.K Nl'.MDKR, VIIICK, l.J C EN "l ? 



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THE STRATFORD BUST OF SHAKESPEARE. 
Drawn by G. H. Moulton, after the engraving by E. Scriven 
from the drawing by John Boaden from the original Bust, pub- 
lished in James Boaden's Portraits of Shakespeare in 1824. 



I 

THE BEGINNER'S SHAKESPEARE 



THE COMEDY OF 

THE WINTER'S TALE 



ABRIDGED AND EDITED BY 
SARAH WILLARD HIESTAND 



WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AFTER DRAWINGS 

BY HAMILTON, OPIE, WHEATLEY, 

AND WRIGHT 



BOSTON, U. S. A. 

D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS 

1901 



Library of Congressi 

IwD Copies Re-ceivf.o 
FEB 2S ^901 

Copyngni wtry 

SECOND COPY 



^^- 






Copyright, 1901, by D. C. Heath Sj- Co. 



Shakespeariana 



PREFACE 

THE present work is a simplified edition of 
Shakespeare suited to the needs of pupils 
from twelve to fifteen years of age. 

The text has been abridged from the Globe 
edition, the line numbering of which is retained 
in order to show the elisions and for conven- 
ience of reference. Those portions of the plays 
have been omitted which are likely to prove 
tedious, puzzling, or incomprehensible to the 
young reader ; and yet this version will be found 
full enough to give a perfect outhne of each play 
in the poet's own words. 

It is presumed that the same plays, or at 
least some of them, will be taken up again for 
closer study: that they wiU have lost nothing 
in interest by the preliminary reading of earlier 
years, we may trust to the ever fresh spirit of 
their author's genius. 



CONTENTS 

Preface iii 

Illustrations v 

Pronunciation of Proper Names vi 

Introduction vii 

Dramatis Personoe x 

THE WINTER'S TALE 1 

Notes " 117 

Extracts 121 
Perdita and Florizel: A Little Play selected from the 

Fourth Act 125 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

The Stratford Bust of Shakespeare Facing Title 

Leontes sends Mamillius away Facing page 17 

Paulina shows Perdita to the King 27 

Antigonus swears to obey the King 31 

Antigonus chased by a Bear 46 

Perdita distributing Flowers 60 

Perdita and Florizel in the Dance 64 

Leontes and the Statue 113 

NOTE. The Stratford Bust of Shakespeare rests in a niche in the 
wall of the church at Stratford where the poet was buried. The sculp- 
tor, Gerard Johnson, or Janssen, was born in Amsterdam and removed 
to London when a young man, where he was known as a "tombe- 
maker." The bust, which is not a work of art, was probably erected 
soon after Shakespeare's death at the expense of Dr. John Hall, his 
son-in-law, and was considered a satisfactory likeness at the time. It 
is executed in a soft limestone and was originally colored after the 
life, the eyes being a light hazel, the hair and beard auburn. 

Sculptors assert that it bears marks of having been modeled 
after a death-mask, the sculptor making some alterations in the at- 
tempt to restore a lifelike appearance. It is thought also that the un- 
skillful carver had an accident which obHged him to finish off the nose 
shorter than he had at first measured it. The drawing here given is 
taken from the engraving of the bust published by Mr. James Boaden 
in 1824. Below the monument is a curious inscription which reads : 

GOOD FREND FOR lESVS SAKE FORBEARE 
TO DIGG THE DVST ENCLOASED HEARE: 
BLESE BE Y^ MAN Y^ SPARES THES STONES 
AND CVRST BE HE Y^ MOVES MY BONES. 

William Hamilton (1751-1801) was an artist who is known to us 



vi NOTE 

chiefly through his illustrations of books. His designs facing pages 
17, 27, 64, and 113 of this volume are reproductions in outline of the 
original steel engravings in the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery. 

H 

John Opie (1761-1807), historical and portrait painter, was em- 
ployed on five subjects for the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery; one of 
these, reproduced in outUne, faces page 31. 

Francis Wheatley (1747-1801) and Joseph Wright (1734-1797) also 
produced paintings for the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, reproduced 
in this volume opposite pages 46 and 60. 



PRONUNCIATION 

of Proper Names used in The Winter'' s Tale 

(Vowel sounds indicated as in Webster) 

An-tig'o-nus Le-on'tes 

Ar'chi-da'mus Lib'y-a 

Au-tol'y-cus Ma-mil'Ii-us 

Ca-mil'lo Mop'sa 

Cle-om'en-es Pau-li'na 

Cyth'e-re'a Per'di-ta 

Del'phos Phoe'bus (ce = e) 

Di'on Po-lix'en-es 

Dor'i-cles Pro-ser'pi-na 

E-mil'i-a Ro-ge'ro 

Flor'i-zel Si-cil'i-a 

Her-mi'o-ne Sma'lus 

JH'U-o Ro-ma'no Whit'sun 



INTRODUCTION 

THE object of this edition is to cultivate a love for 
Shakespeare by introducing his dramas to young 
readers in such shape that they may be found read- 
able and attractive. Notes and comments are frequently a 
hindrance and stumbling-block to the beginner^ and the very 
thought of having to study a piece of literature is enough to 
make it seem repellent at the outset. 

It is therefore suggested that beginners in Shakespeare be 
encouraged to attempt a cursory reading of the selected play 
without reference to notes or explanations. In classes, teachers 
may ask their pupils to procure a copy of the play a week be- 
fore the study of it is to begin and to read it through once, or 
have it read to them by their elders, as any other story would 
be read, for the mere pleasure of it. It is a noteworthy fact that 
many seeming difficulties may be glided over in this way and 
something like an understanding or general picture of the play 
as a whole placed before the mind. 

The footnotes, which are for the most part in the form of 
synonyms, have been placed upon the page rather unwillingly; 
they are intended for the children's use, to assist them in be- 
coming familiar with a diction which is now and then too far 
from our every-day speech to be easily understood. They are 
purposely brief, so as to distract the attention as little as pos- 
sible from the interest of the tale. The following remarks on 
the play and the Notes at the end will suggest to teachers points 
for special comment in class. It is taken for granted that any 
teacher will have at hand a trustworthy, well-annotated edi- 
tion of Shakespeare for reference in such cases as cannot be 
covered in an elementary book. 

The Winter s Tale, written probably in the winter of 
161 0-11, is one of the latest, perhaps the very last complete 
drama from the hand of Shakespeare. It may have been writ- 
ten at Stratford after his retirement from the stage ; for its 



viii INTRODUCTION 

breath of free country air, its unconscious emphasis of homely 
rural simplicity, show us the Poet enjoying his release from 
the artificial life of the city. 

Evidences of the maturity of the dramatist's powers are 
shown in his frequent use of ellipsis, and in the style of ver- 
sification which is notable for the absence of rhyme; quite as 
striking evidence, too, is found in the spirit of the play, which 
exhibits the cheerful gentleness and calm of his latest work. 

In the construction of The Winter s Tale Shakespeare 
took the materials of his plot from a story that was already 
familiar and popular; this was his usual custom and was not 
peculiar to him. His method of treatment, however, differs in 
important details from that of the modern playwright who 
turns out a dramatized version of a popular book : although 
some of the main features were retained by him, he fre- 
quently made radical changes in the plot, while his elabora- 
tion and development of the characters vivified and utterly 
transformed the most ordinary narrative. 

The plot of The Winter's Tale is taken in this way from 
Robert Greene's novel of Pandosto, with some omissions, addi- 
tions, and changes. The characters of Antigonus, Paulina, and 
Autolycus are Shakespeare's own; his also is the recovery and 
long concealment of Hermione, and the statue scene at the 
end of the play; and his is the development of real human 
characters from the lay-figures of Greene's story. 

The play is a double drama with a lapse of sixteen years 
between its two parts. The first may be called the story of 
Queen Hermione, ending in the third act with her seeming 
death and the casting away of her baby daughter. The sec- 
ond part, beginning with the fourth act, takes up the story 
of the lost child, Perdita, now grown to bewitching girlhood, 
and so fascinating as to stand perhaps at the head of Shake- 
speare's maiden heroines. 

In the first part we behold Leontes, the King of Sicily, 
becoming the victim of his own jealous, suspicious nature, 
branding his noble wife with dishonor, and accusing her of 
conspiracy against his crown and life in company with his old 



INTRODUCTION ix 

friend Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. Camillo^ his tried 
friend and counselor, on whom he lays the burden of assassi- 
nating Polixenes, cannot purge his poisoned mind; and so 
after the escape of Polixenes and Camilio, the enraged king 
wreaks his vengeance on the unhappy queen and his little 
daughter. Penitence comes too late to restore either of these 
sufferers to him, or to save the young prince, little Mamillius, 
who is one of the few children in Shakespeare's pages. 

The second part of the drama shows us Perdita as a 
shepherd's daughter in a beautiful and romantic setting, 
wooed by the chivalrous Prince Florizel, who is the son of 
Polixenes. Their elopement is followed by the discovery of 
Perdita's identity and her mother's return to the world, after 
the long period of her concealment during which Leontes 
had fully repented his rash cruelty. 

This happy ending emphasizes the quality of the story, 
which is somewhat that of a fairy tale; for, although it does 
not deal with the supei'natural, it seems quite what we might 
imagine coming from the lips of a gifted story-teller to a 
group of absorbed listeners gathered around a winter fireside, 
in the days when books were few and readers scarcely more 
numerous. 

Little Mamillius says, "A sad tale's best for winter"; 
yet this is not altogether sad, ending as it does with the joy- 
ful reunion of family and friends. Again, the greatest charm 
of the whole play to most readers lies in the portrayal of Per- 
dita, brave, yet retiring, dignified, yet practical, and at all 
times charmingly graceful and poetic. And thus the recollec- 
tion of Hermione's suffering is softened and at last removed 
into a subdued, tender background for the lovely vision of 
her young daughter, with her dancing and her flowers. 



DRAMATIS PERSONJE 

Leontes, King of Sicilia. 
Mamillius, young Prince of Sicilia. 
Camillo, "\ 

^ ' \ Four Lords of Sicilia. 

Cleomenes^ I 

Dion, j 

PoLixENEs, King of Bohemia. 

Florizel, Prince of Bohemia. 

Archidamus, a Lord of Bohemia. 

Old Shepherd, reputed father of Perdita. 

Clown, his son, 

AuTOLYCus, a rogue. 

A Mariner. 

A Gaoler. 

Hermione, queen to Leontes. 

Perdita, daughter to Leontes and Hermione. 

Paulina, wife to Antigonus. 

Emilia, a lady attending on Hermione. 

^ ' \ Shepherdesses. 
Dorcas, J 

Other Lords and Gentlemen, Ladies, Officers, and Servants, 
Shepherds and Shepherdesses. 

Scene : Sicilia, and Bohemia. 



THE WINTER'S TALE 

ACT I 

Scene I. Antechamber in the palace of Leontes, 
King of Sicilia. 

Enter Camillo, a Loi'd of Sicilia, and Archidamus, a 
Lord of Bohemia. 

Archidamus. If you shall chance, Camillo, to 
visit Bohemia, you shall see, as I have said, great 
difference betwixt our Bohemia and your Sicilia. 
Camillo. I think, this coming summer, the King e 
of Sicilia means to pay Bohemia the visitation 
which he justly owes him. 

Archidamus. Verily, we cannot with such mag- 
nificence — in so rare — I know not what to say. 
We will give you sleepy drinks, that your senses, 15 
unintelligent of our insufficience, may, though 
they cannot praise us, as little accuse us. 
Camillo. You pay a great deal too dear for what 's 
given freely. Sicilia cannot show himself over- 
kind to Bohemia. They were trained together in 
their childhoods; and there rooted betwixt them 25 
then such an affection, which cannot choose but 
branch now. 

7 Bohemia, the name of the country used for its king. 

16 unintelligent = unconscious. Note 5 {d). 

26 which = that it. Note 5 (c). 



2 THE WINTER'S TALE [acti 

Archidamus. I think there is not in the world 

either maUce or matter to alter it. You have an 

unspeakable comfort of your young prince Ma- 

millius: it is a gentleman of the greatest promise 40 

that ever came into my note. 

Camillo. I very well agree with you in the hopes 

of him: it is a gallant child; one that indeed 

makes old hearts fresh : they that went on crutches 

ere he was born desire yet their life to see him a 45 

man. 

Archidamus. Would they else be content to die? 

Camillo. Yes; if there were no other excuse why 

they should desire to live. 

Archidamus. If the king had no son, they would 

desire to live on crutches till he had one. [Exeunt. 50 

Scene II. A room of state in the same. 

Enter Leontes, Hermione, qiieen to Leontes, Mamil- 
LiuSj Prince of Sicilia, Polixenes^ King of Bohemia, 
CamillOj and Attendants. 

Poliocenes. Nine changes of the watery star hath 

been 
The shepherd's note since we have left our throne 
Without a burthen: time as long again 
Would be fill'd up, my brother, with our thanks. * 

1 watery star = the moon (she controls the tides). 

2 note = mark of time. 

4 brother, a term of courtesy : the kings were brothers only in rank. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 3 

Leontes. Stay your thanks awhile; 

And pay them when you part. 

Polixenes. Sir, that 's to-morrow, lo 

Leontes. One seven-night longer. 

Polixenes. Very sooth, to-morrow. 

Leontes. We '11 part the time between 's then ; 

and in that 
1 11 no gainsaying. 

Poliooenes. Press me not, beseech you, so. 

There is no tongue that moves, none, none i' the 

world, 20 

So soon as yours could win me. My affairs 
Do even drag me homeward. 
Farewell, our brother. 

Leontes. Tongue-tied our queen? speak you. 

Hermione. Tell him, you are sure 30 

All in Bohemia's well; this satisfaction 
The by-gone day proclaim'd. 
Leontes. Well said, Hermione. 

Hermione. To tell, he longs to see his son, were 

strong : 
But let him say so then, and let him go; 35 

Yet of your royal presence I '11 adventure 
The borrow of a week. When at Bohemia 

10 part = depart. 

18 We '11 part the time = let us compromise by dividing the time. 

19 I '11 no gainsaying = I '11 have no gainsaying. Notes 2 and 9. 

38 adventure the borrow = risk the borro^ving, Note 3. 



4 THE WINTER'S TALE [acti 

You take my lord, I '11 give him my commission 40 

To let him there a month behind the gest 

Prefix 'd for 's parting. You '11 stay ? 

Poliocenes. No, madam. 

Hermione. Nay, but you will? 

Poliocenes. I may not, verily. 

Hermione. Verily! Verily, 

You shall not go: a lady's 'Verily' 's 50 

As potent as a lord's. Will you go yet ? 

Force me to keep you as a prisoner. 

Not like a guest; so you shall pay your fees 

When you depart, and save your thanks. How 

say you? 
My prisoner? or my guest? by your dread 'Verily' ss 
One of them you shaU be. 

Poliocenes. Your guest, then, madam. 

Hermione. Not your gaoler, then, 
But your kind hostess. Come, 1 11 question you eo 
Of my lord's tricks and yours when you were boys : 
You were pretty lordings then? 
Poliocenes. We were, fair queen. 

Two lads that thought there was no more behind 
But such a day to-morrow as to-day. 
And to be boy eternal. 

Hermione. Was not my lord 65 

The verier wag o' the two ? 

41 gest, Note 10. 62 lordings = masters, Note 5 (a). 



SCENE 11 ] THE WINTER'S TALE 5 

Poliocenes. We were as twinn'd lambs that did 

frisk i' the sun, 
And bleat the one at the other. 
Leontes. Is he won yet? 86 

Hermione. He '11 stay, my lord. 
Leontes. At my request he would not. 

Hermione, my dearest, thou never spokest 
To better purpose. 
Hermione. Never ? 

Leontes. Never, but once. 

Hermione. What! have I twice said well? when 

was 't before ? 90 

Nay, let me have 't ; I long. 
Leontes. Why, that was when 

Three crabbed months had sour'd themselves to 

death, 102 

Ere I could make thee open thy white hand 
And clap thyself my love : then didst thou utter 
'I am yours for ever.' 

Hermione. I have spoke to the purpose twice. loe 
The one for ever earn'd a royal husband; 
The other for some while a friend. 
Leontes. Mamillius, 

Art thou my boy? 

Mamillius. Ay, my good lord. 

Leontes. I' fecks! 120 

104 clap. Note 11. 120 I' fecks = in faith, indeed. 



6 THE WINTER'S TALE [acti 

Why, that 's my bawcock. What, hast smutch 'd 

thy nose? 
They say it is a copy out of mine. Come, captain, 
We must be neat; not neat, but cleanly, captain: 
And yet the steer, the heifer and the calf 
Are all call'd neat. How now, you wanton calf! 126 
Art thou my calf? 

Mamillius. Yes, if you will, my lord. 

Leontes. Come, sir page. 

Look on me with your welkin eye : sweet villain ! ise 
Most dear'st! my collop! 
Poliocenes. What means Sicilia? 

He7^7nione. He something seems unsettled. 1^7 

Poliucenes. How, my lord! 

What cheer? how is 't with you, best brother? 
Hermione. You look 

As if you held a brow of much distraction: 
. Are you moved ? 

Leontes. No. Looking on the lines 

Of my boy's face, methoughts I did recoil 
Twenty-three years, and saw myself unbreech'd, 155 
In my green velvet coat, my dagger muzzled. 
Lest it should bite its master, and so prove, 

121 bawcock : pet name for a boy. 126 wanton = playful. 

136 welkin = rolling. 137 collop : literally, a slice of meat ; so we say 

"a chip of the old block." 147 something seems unsettled = seems 

somewhat disturbed, Note 7. 154 methoughts = my thoughts. 

155 unbreeched, i.e., before I wore breeches. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 7 

As ornaments oft do, too dangerous : 

How like, methought, I then was to this kernel. 

This squash, this gentleman. Mine honest friend, leo 

Will you take eggs for money? 

Mamillius. No, my lord, I '11 fight. 

Leontes. You will! why, happy man he's dole! 

My brother, 
Are you so fond of your young prince as we 
Do seem to be of ours ? 

Poliocenes. If at home, sir, i65 

He 's all my exercise, my mirth, my matter. 
Now my sworn friend and then mine enemy. 
My parasite, my soldier, statesman, all : 
He makes a July's day short as December. i69 

Leontes. So stands this squire 
Officed with me : we two will walk, my lord, 
And leave you to your graver steps. Hermione, 
How thou lovest us, show in our brother's welcome ; 
Let what is dear in Sicily be cheap: 175 

Next to thyself and my young rover, he 's 
Apparent to my heart. 

Hermione. If you would seek us. 

We are yours i' the garden. 

\Exeunt Polixenes, Hermione, and Attendants. 

160 squash = an unripe thing. 161 take eggs for money = take an in- 
sult. 163 happy man be 's dole = may his lot in life be a happy one. 
171 So . . . squire officed = such is my boy's office. 177 Apparent = 
heir-apparent. 



8 THE WINTER'S TALE [acti 

Leontes. To your own bents dispose you. How 

now, boy! 
Mamillius. I am like you, they say. 
Leontes. Why, that 's some comfort. 

What, Camillo there? 

Camillo. Ay, my good lord. 210 

Leontes. Go play, Mamillius; thou 'rt an honest 

man. [Exit Mamillius. 

Camillo, this great sir will yet stay longer. 
Camillo. You had much ado to make his anchor 

hold 
To satisfy your highness and the entreaties 232 

Of our most gracious mistress. 
Leontes. ' Satisfy! 

Let that suffice. I have trusted thee, CamiUo, 235 
With all the nearest things to my heart, as well 
My chamber-councils, wherein, priest-like, thou 
Hast cleansed my bosom, I from thee departed 
Thy penitent reform 'd : but we have been 
Deceived in thy integrity, deceived 240 

In that which seems so. 

Camillo. Be it forbid, my lord ! 

Leontes. To bide upon 't, thou art not honest, or. 
If thou inclinest that way, thou art a coward. 
Camillo. My gracious lord, 
I may be negligent, foolish and fearful ; 250 

242 bide upon 't = dwell upon it, repeat it. 



SCENE II ] THE WINTER'S TALE 9 

In every one of these no man is free. 

But, beseech your grace. 

Be plainer with me ; let me know my trespass 265 

By its own visage : if I then deny it, 

'T is none of mine. 

Leontes. Ha' not you seen, Camillo, — 

But that's past doubt, you have, — or heard, or 

thought, — 
[In a series of fierce, involved^ disjointed sentences, here 
omitted, Leontes" accuses his former friend of uniting with 
the Queen in actions that would be treasonable against him- 
self and hence against the state.] 

Camillo. I would not be a stander-by to hear 

My mistress clouded so. My lord, be cured 296 

Of this diseased opinion, and betimes; 

For 't is most dangerous. 

Leontes. Say it be, 't is true. 

Camillo. No, no, my lord. 

Leontes. It is; 

And thou, his cupbearer, who mayst see 

Plainly as heaven sees earth and earth sees 

heaven, 315 

How I am galled, mightst bespice a cup. 
To give mine enemy a lasting wink. 
Camillo. Sir, my lord, 

I could do this, and that with no rash potion. 
But with a lingering dram that should not work 320 

317 give . . . wink, i.e., put him to death. 



10 THE WINTER'S TALE [acti 

Maliciously like poison : but I cannot 

Believe this — 

Leontes. Dost think I am so muddy, so unsettled, — 325 

Camillo. I must believe you, sir: 

I do; and will fetch off Bohemia for 't: 334 

Go then; and with a countenance as clear 

As friendship wears at feasts, keep with Bohemia 

And with your queen. I am his cupbearer: 345 

If from me he have wholesome beverage. 

Account me not your servant. 

Leontes. This is all; 

Do 't and thou hast the one half of my heart; 

Do 't not, thou split'st thine own. 

Camillo. 1 11 do 't, my lord. 

Leontes. I wiU seem friendly, as thou hast advised 

me. [Exit. 350 

Camillo. O miserable lady! But, for me. 
What case stand I in ? I must be the poisoner 
Of good Polixenes ; and my ground to do 't 
Is the obedience to a master, one 
Who in rebellion with himself will have 355 

All that are his so too. To do this deed, 
Promotion follows. If I could find example 
Of thousands that had struck anointed kings 
And flourish'd after, I Id not do 't. 

325 muddy = confused. 334 fetch off = kill. 
349 thou split'st thine own, i.e., you will lose your life. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 11 

Here comes Bohemia. 

Re-enter Polixenes. 

Poliocenes. This is strange : methinks 

My favour here begins to warp. Not speak? ses 

Good day, Camillo. 

Camillo. Hail, most royal sir! 

Poliocenes. What is the news i' the court? 
Camillo. None rare, my lord. 

Poliocenes. The king hath on him such a coun- 
tenance 
As he had lost some province and a region 
Loved as he loves himself: even now I met him 370 
With customary compliment ; when he, 
AVafting his eyes to the contrary and falhng 
A hp of much contempt, speeds from me and 
So leaves me to consider what is breeding 
That changeth thus his manners. 375 

Camillo. I dare not know, my lord. 
Poliocenes. How! dare not! do not. Do you know, 

and dare not? 
Your changed complexions are to me a mirror ssi 
Which shows me mine changed too. 
Camillo. There is a sickness 

Which puts some of us in distemper, but 
I cannot name the disease; and it is caught 

369 As he had = as if he had. 
372 falling a lip = letting his lip fall, Note 3 (c). 



12 THE WINTER'S TALE [acti 

Of you that yet are well. 

Polixenes. How! caught of me! 387 

Make me not sighted like the basihsk : 

I have looked on thousands, who have sped the 

better 
By my regard, but kill'd none so, Camillo. 
A sickness caught of me, and yet I well ! 
I must be answer 'd. Dost thou hear, Camillo, 
I conjure thee, by all the parts of man 4oo 

Which honour does acknowledge, that thou de- 
clare 
What incidency thou dost guess of harm 
Is creeping toward me; how far off, how near; 
Which way to be prevented. 405 

Camillo. Sir, I will tell you ; 

I am appointed him to murder you. 412 

Poliacenes. By whom, Camillo? 
Camillo. By the king. 

Polixenes. For what? 

How should this grow? 

Camillo. I know not; but I am sure 't is safer to 432 
Avoid what 's grown than question how 't is born. 
Your followers I will whisper to the business. 
And will by twos and threes at several posterns 
Clear them o' the city. For myself, I '11 put 

388 basilisk = a fabled species of serpent which killed by its glance. 

389 sped = fared. 400 parts = qualities. 

403 incidency = incidence, probable accident. 412 him, i.e., the one. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 13 

My fortunes to your service, which are here 440 

By this discovery lost. Be not uncertain; 
For, by the honour of my parents, I 
Have utter 'd truth : which if you seek to prove, 
I dare not stand by; nor shall you be safer 
Than one condemn'd by the king's own mouth. 445 
Poliocenes. I do believe thee : 
I saw his heart in 's face. Give me thy hand : 
Be pilot to me and thy places shall 
Still neighbour mine. My ships are ready and 
My people did expect my hence departure 450 

Two days ago. Fear o'ershades me. Come, 
I will respect thee as a father if 
Thou bear st my life off hence : let us avoid. 462 

Camillo. It is in mine authority to command 
The keys of all the posterns : please your high- 
ness 
To take the urgent hour. Come, sir, away. [Exeunt. 

449 Still = always. 462 avoid = depart. 



ACT II 

Scene I. A room in Leontes' palace. 

Enter Hermione, Mamillius^ and Ladies. 

Hermione. Take the boy to you: he so troubles me, 

'T is past enduring. 

First Lady. Come, my gracious lord. 

Shall I be your playfellow? 

Mamillius. No, 1 11 none of you. 

First Lady. Why, my sweet lord ? 

Mamillius. You '11 kiss me hard and speak to me 

as if 5 

I were a baby still. I love you better. 
Second Lady. And why so, my lord ? 
Mamillius. Not for because 

Your brows are blacker; yet black brows, they say. 
Become some women best, so that there be not 
Too much hair there, but in a semicircle, lo 

Or a half-moon made with a pen. 
Second Lady. Who taught you this ? 

Mamillius. I learnt it out of women's faces. Pray 

now 
What colour are your eyebrows? 
First Lady. Blue, my lord. 

Mamillius. Nay, that's a mock: I have seen a 

lady's nose 

7 for because, Note 4. 



SCENE I ] THE WINTEK'S TALE 15 

That has been blue, but not her eyebrows. 

First Lady. Hark ye. is 

Hermione. What wisdom stirs amongst you? 

Come, sir, now 
I am for you again: pray you, sit by us, 22 

And tell 's a tale. 

Mamillius. Merry or sad shall 't be? 

Hermione. As merry as you wiU. 
Mamillius. A sad tale's best for winter: I have 

one 25 

Of sprites and gobhns. 

Hermione. Let 's have that, good sir. 

Come on, sit down : come on, and do your best 
To fright me with your sprites ; you 're powerful 

at it. 
Mamillius. There was a man — 
Hermione. Nay, come, sit down ; then on. 

Mamillius. Dwelt by a churchyard: I will tell it 

softly; 30 

Yond crickets shall not hear it. 
Hermione. Come on, then. 

And give 't me in mine ear. 

Enter Leontes, with Antigonus, a Lord ofSicilia, Loi'ds, 
and others. 

Leontes. Was he met there? his train? Camillo 
with him? 

15 has been blue, Note 3 (a). 22 1 am for you = I am ready for you. 



16 THE WINTER'S TALE [actii 

First Lord. Behind the tuft of pines I met them; 

never 
Saw I men scour so on their way: I eyed them 35 
Even to their ships. 
Leontes. How blest am I 

In my just censure, in my true opinion! 
Alack, for lesser knowledge! how accursed 
In being so blest! There may be in the cup 
A spider steep 'd, and one may drink, depart, 40 
And yet partake no venom, for his knowledge 
Is not infected: but if one present 
The abhorr'd ingredient to his eye, make known 
How he hath drunk, he cracks his gorge, his 

sides. 
With violent hefts. I have drunk, and seen the 

spider. 45 

Camillo was his help in this, his pander: 
There is a plot against my hfe, my crown ; 
All 's true that is mistrusted : that false villain 
Whom I employ 'd was pre-employ'd by him: 
He has discover'd my design, and I 50 

Remain a pinch'd thing ; yea, a very trick 
For them to play at will. How came the posterns 
So easily open? 
First Lord. By his great authority; 

40 spider, Note 12. 45 hefts = retching. 
46 pander = agent in an evil design. 51 pinch'd, i.e., abused, baffled, 
perhaps crippled (figuratively), as a half-killed bug. 




Leontes. Bear the boy hence ; he shall not come about her. 

Act II, Scene I, line 59. 



SCENE I ] THE WINTER'S TALE 17 

Which often hath no less prevail'd than so 

On your command. 

Leontes. I know 't too well. 55 

Give me the boy. 

Hermione. What is this? sport? 

Leontes. Bear the boy hence; he shall net come 

about her; 
Away with him ! 

I have said she 's a traitor and Camillo is 
A federary with her, and one that knows 90 

What she should shame to know herself ; 
And she 's privy 
To this their late escape. 

Hermione. No, by my life, 95 

Privy to none of this. How will this grieve you. 
When you shall come to clearer knowledge, that 
You thus have publish'd me! Gentle my lord. 
You scarce can right me throughly then to say 
You did mistake. 100 

Leontes. Away with her ! to prison ! 

He who shall speak for her is afar off guilty 
But that he speaks. 

Hermione. There 's some ill planet reigns : 105 

I must be patient till the heavens look 

90 federary = accomplice. 94 is privy to = has a secret knowledge of. 
99 throughly = thoroughly, Note 5 {h). 104 afar off, etc. = guilty in 
some degree merely because he speaks for her. 105 planet : the 

stars were supposed to influence the lives of human beings. 



18 THE WINTER'S TALE act n 

With an aspect more favourable. Good my lords, 
I am not prone to weeping, as our sex 
Commonly are ; the want of which vain dew 
Perchance shall dry your pities : but I have uo 

That honourable grief lodged here which burns 
Worse than tears drown: beseech you all, my 

lords, 
With thoughts so qualified as your charities 
Shall best instruct you, measure me ; and so 
The king's will be perform 'd! 

Leontes. Shall I be heard? 115 

Hermione. Who is 't that goes with me ? Beseech 

your highness. 
My women may be with me. Do not weep ; 
There ic no cause: when you shall know your 

mistress 
Has deserved prison, then abound in tears 120 

As I come out : this action I now go on 
Is for my better grace. Adieu, my lord : 
I never wish'd to see you sorry; now 
I trust I shall. My women, come ; you have leave. 
Leontes. Go, do our bidding; hence! 125 

\Eodt Queen, guarded; with Ladies. 

First Lord. Beseech your highness, call the queen 
again. 

110 pities, Note 6. 113 qualified = softened. 
121 action = legal process : perhaps here, the accusation. 



SCENE I ] THE WINTER'S TALE 19 

Antigonus. Be certain what you do, sir, lest your 
justice 

Prove violence; in the which three great ones 
suffer, 

Yourself, your queen, your son. 

First Lord. For her, my lord, 

I dare my life lay down and will do 't, sir, iso 

Please you to accept it, that the queen is spotless 

I' the eyes of heaven and to you; I mean. 

In this which you accuse her. 

Leontes. Hold your peaces. 

First Lord. Good my lord, — 

Antigonus. It is for you we speak, not for our- 
selves : 140 

You are abused and by some putter-on 

That will be damn'd for 't ; would I knew the villain ! 

Leontes. What! lack I credit? 

First Lord. I had rather you did lack than I, my 
lord. 

Upon this ground; and more it would content me 

To have her honour true than your suspicion, leo 

Be blarrusd for 't how you might. 

Leontes. Why, what need we 

Commune with you? 

Yet, for a greater confirmation, iso 

139 Good my lord. Note 7. 141 abused and by some putter-on = 

deceived and that by some mischievous meddler. 



20 THE WINTER'S TALE [acth 

I have dispatch 'd in post 

To sacred Delphos, to Apollo's temple, 

Cleomenes and Dion ; from the oracle Hj 

They will bring all ; whose spiritual counsel had, 

Shall stop or spur me. Have I done well ? 

First Lord. Well done, my lord. 

Leontes. Though I am satisfied and need no more 

Than what I know, yet shall the oracle i90 

Give rest to the minds of others. - 

So have we thought it good 

From our free person she should be confined, 

Lest that the treachery of the two fled hence 195 

Be left her to perform. Come, follow us ; 

We are to speak in public; for this business 

Will raise us all. 

Antigonus. [Aside] To laughter, as I take it. 

If the good truth were known. [Exeunt. 

Scene II. A prison. 

Enter Paulina^ wife to Antigonus, a Gentleman, and 
Attendants. 

Paulina. The keeper of the prison, call to him ; 
Let him have knowledge who I am. [Exit Gentleman. 

Good lady, 
No court in Europe is too good for thee; 
What dost thou then in prison? 

183 Delphos, Note 13. 198 raise = stir, excite. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 21 

Re-enter Gentleman^ with the Gaoler. 

Now, good sir. 
You know me, do you not? 

Gaoler. For a worthy lady 5 

And one whom much I honour. 
Paulina. Pray you then. 

Conduct me to the queen. 
Gaoler. I may not, madam: 

To the contrary I have express commandment. 
Paulina. Here 's ado. 

To lock up honesty and honour from lo 

The access of gentle visitors ! Is 't lawful, pray you, 
To see her women ? any of them ? Emilia ? 
Gaoler. So please you, madam. 
To put apart these your attendants, I 
Shall bring Emilia forth. 

Paulina. I pray now, call her. 15 

Withdraw yourselves. . * 

[Exeunt Gentleman and Attendants. 

Gaoler. And, madam, 

I must be present at your conference. 

Paulina. Well, be 't so, prithee. [Exit Gaoler. 

Here 's such ado to make no stain a stain 

As passes colouring. 

Re-enter Gaoler, with Emilia, a lady attending on the 
Queen. 

Dear gentlewoman, 20 

15 1 shall bring Emilia forth, Note 3 (a). 20 As passes = that passes. 



22 THE WINTER'S TALE [actii 

How fares our gracious lady? 

Emilia. As well as one so great and so forlorn 

May hold together. The tender lady hath 

An infant daughter, and a goodly babe, 26 

Lusty and like to live : the queen receives 

Much comfort in 't; says *My poor prisoner, 

I am innocent as you.' 

Paulina. I dare be sworn : 

These dangerous unsafe lunes i' the king, beshrew 

them ! 30 

He must be told on 't, and he shall: the office 
Becomes a woman best; I '11 take 't upon me: 
If I prove honey-mouth 'd, let my tongue blister. 
Pray you, Emilia, 35 

Commend my best obedience to the queen: 
If she dares trust me with her httle babe, 
I '11 show 't the king and undertake to be 
Her advocate to the loud'st. We do not know 
How he may soften at the sight o' the child : 40 
The silence often of pure innocence 
Persuades when speaking fails. 
Emilia. Most worthy madam. 

Your honour and your goodness is so evident 
That your free undertaking cannot miss 
A thriving issue : there is no lady hving 45 

26 and a goodly babe = and it is, etc. 30 lunes = crazy freaks. 
44 miss a thriving issue = fail to succeed. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 23 

So meet for this great errand. Please your lady- 
ship 

To visit the next room, I '11 presently 

Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer ; 

Who but to-day hammer 'd of this design 

But durst not tempt a minister of honour, 50 

Lest she should be denied. 

Paulina. Tell her, Emilia, 

I '11 use that tongue I have : if wit flow from 't 

As boldness from my bosom, let 't not be doubted 

I shall do good. 

Emilia. Now be you blest for it ! 

I '11 to the queen : please you, come something 
nearer. . 55 

Gaoler. Madam, if 't please the queen to send 
the babe, 

I know not what I shall incur to pass it. 

Having no warrant. 

Paulina. You need not fear it, sir : 

This child is not a party to . ei 

The anger of the king nor guilty of. 

If any be, the trespass of the queen. 

(praoler. I do beheve it. 

Paulina. Do not you fear : upon mine honour, I 

Will stand betwixt you and danger. [Exeunt. 

46 errand. Note 14. 4T presently = immediately. 
49 hammer'd = labored over, studied on. 



M THE WINTER'S TALE [actii 

Scene III. A room in Leontes' palace. 

Enter Leontes, Antigonus, Lords, and Servants. 

Leontes. Nor night nor day no rest: it is but 

weakness 
To bear the matter thus; mere weakness. If 
The cause were not in being, — part o' the cause. 
She; — for the king 

Is quite beyond mine arm, out of the blank 5 

And level of my brain, plot-proof; but she 
I can hook to me : say that she were gone. 
Given to the fire, a moiety of my rest 
Might come to me again. Who 's there ? 
First Servant. My lord? 

Leontes. How does the boy? 

First Servant. He took good rest to-night; lo 

'T is hoped his sickness is discharged. 
Leontes. To see his nobleness ! 
Conceiving the dishonour of his mother. 
He straight declined, droop 'd, took it deeply, 
Fastend and fix'd the shame on 't in himself, is 
Threw off his spuit, his appetite, his sleep, 
And downright languished. Leave me solely : go. 
See how he fares. [Exit Servant.] Fie, fie ! no thought 

of him : 

5 blank = white center of the target. 6 level = range of shot : Le- 

ontes reflects that Polixenes is beyond his reach. 6 she = she whom. 
8 moiety =£ portion. 15 on 't = of it. Note 5 (c). 17 solely — alonfe, 
Notes. 18 him, i.e., Polixenes. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 25 

The very thought of my revenges that way 
Recoil upon me : in himself too mighty, 20 

And in his parties, his alliance; let him be 
Until a time may serve : for present vengeance, 
Take it on her. Camillo and Polixenes 
Laugh at me, make their pastime at my sorrow : 
They should not laugh if I could reach them, nor 25 
Shall she within my power. 

Enter Paulina^ with a child. 

First Lord. You must not enter. 

Paulina. Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to 

me: 
Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas. 
Than the queen's life ? a gracious innocent soul. 
More free than he is jealous. 

Antigonus. That 's enough. 30 

Second Servant. Madam, he hath not slept to- 
night; commanded 
None should come at him. 
' Paulina. Not so hot, good sir : 

I come to bring him sleep. 'T is such as you. 
That creep like shadovt^s by him and do sigh 
At each his needless heavings, such as you 35 

Nourish the cause of his awaking ; I 
Do come with words as medicinal as true. 
Honest as either, to purge him of that humour 

20 Recoil, Note 8. 30 free = innocent. 



26 THE WINTER'S TALE [actii 

That presses him from sleep. 
Lteontes. What noise there, ho? 

Paulina. No noise, my lord; but needful confer- 
ence 40 
About some gossips for your highness. 
Leontes. How ! 
Away with that audacious lady ! Antigonus, 
I charged thee that she should not come about me : 
I knew she would. 

Antigonus. I told her so, my lord. 

On your displeasure's peril and on mine, 45 

She should not visit you. 

Leontes. What, canst not rule her? 

Paulina. From all dishonesty he can: in this, 
Unless he take the course that you have done, 
He shall not rule me. 

Antigonus. La you now, you hear: 50 

When she will take the rein I let her run ; 
But she '11 not stumble. 

Paulina. Good my liege, I come 

From your good queen. 
Leontes. Good queen! 

Paulina. Good queen, my lord, 

Good queen; I say good queen; 
And would by combat make her good, so were I eo 
A man, the worst about you. 

41 gossips = sponsors in baptism, Note 5 {d). 60 combat, Note 15. 




Paulina. Here 't is ; commends it to your blessings. 

Act II, Scene III, line 66. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 27 

Leontesl Force her hence. 

Paulina. Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes 
First hand me: on mine own accord 1 11 off; 
But first I '11 do my errand. The good queen. 
For she is good, hath brought you forth a 

daughter ; 65 

Here 't is ; commends it to your blessings. 

[Laying down the child. 

Leontes. Out! 

A mankind witch ! Hence with her, out o' door ! 

Paulina. Not so : 

I am as ignorant in that as you 

In so entithng me, and no less honest 70 

Than you are mad; which is enough, I '11 warrant, 

As this world goes, to pass for honest. 

Leontes. Traitors ! 

Will you not push her out? Give her the child. 

Thou dotard! thou art woman-tired, unroosted 

By thy dame Partlet here. Take up the creature; 75 

Take 't up, I say; give 't to thy crone. 

Paulina. For ever 

Unvenerable be thy hands, if thou 

Takest up the princess by that forced baseness 

Which he has put upon 't! 

Leontes. He dreads his wife. 

63 hand = lay hands on. 67 mankind = mannish. 74 woman-tired = 
henpecked. 75 Partlet, a hen : primarily a woman's neck-rulF. 

78 forced = unjust. 



28 THE WmTER'S TALE [actii 

Paulina. So I would you did. so 

Leontes. A nest of traitors ! 

Antigonus. I am none, by this good light. 

Paulina. Nor I, nor any 

But one that 's here, and that 's himself, for he 83 

The sacred honour of himself, his queen's, 

His hopeful son's, his babe's, betrays to slander, 

Whose sting is sharper than the sword's. 

Leontes. A callat 90 

Of boundless tongue, who late hath beat her hus- 
band 

And now baits me! This child is none of mine; 

Hence with it, and together with the dam 

Commit them to the fire! 

Paulina. It is yours; 95 

Behold, my lords. 

Although the print be httle, the whole matter 

And copy of the father, eye, nose, Hp, 

The trick of 's frown, his forehead, nay, the val- 
ley, 100 

The pretty dimples of his chin and cheek. 

His smiles. 

The very mould and frame of hand, nail, finger. 

Leontes. A gross hag! 

And, lozel, thou art worthy to be hang'd, 

90 callat = scolding woman. 

91 beat : probably pronounced the same as bait in Shakespeare's time. 

100 valley. Note 16. 109 lozel = a good-for-nothing. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 29 

That wilt not stay her tongue. 
Antigonus. Hang all the husbands no 

That cannot do that feat, you 11 leave yourself 
Hardly one subject. 

Leontes. Once more, take her hence. 

Paulina. A most unworthy and unnatural lord 
Can do no more. 

Leontes. 1 11 ha' thee burnt. 

Paulina. I care not: 

It is an heretic that makes the fire, iis 

Not she which burns in 't. I '11 not call you tyrant ; 
But this most cruel usage of your queen, 
Not able to produce more accusation 
Than your own weak-hinged fancy, something sa- 
vours 
Of tyranny and wiU ignoble make you, 120 

Yea, scandalous to the world. 
Leontes. On your allegiance. 

Out of the chamber with her! Were I a tyrant. 
Where were her life? she durst not call me so. 
If she did know me one. Away with her! 
Paulina. I pray you, do not push me ; I '11 be gone. 125 
Look to your babe, my lord ; 't is yours : Jove send 

her 
A better guiding spirit! What needs these hands? 

116 she which burns. Note 3 (6). 118 Not able, Note 9. 
127 hands, i.e., of the lords who were putting her out. 



30 THE WINTER'S TALE [actii 

You, that are thus so tender o'er his follies, 

Will never do him good, not one of you. 

So, so: farewell; we are gone. [Exit, iso 

Leontes. Thou, traitor, hast set on thy wife to this. 

My child ? away with 't ! Even thou, that hast 

A heart so tender o'er it, take it hence 

And see it instantly consumed with fire; 

Even thou and none but thou. Take it up straight: 135 

Within this hour bring me word 't is done, 

And by good testimony, or I '11 seize thy life. 

With what thou else caU'st thine. 

Go, take it to the fire ; 140 

For thou set'st on thy wife. 

Antigonus. I did not, sir: 

These lords, my noble fellows, if they please, 

Can clear me in 't. 

Lords. We can : my royal Hege, 

He is not guilty of her coming hither. 145 

Leontes. You 're Hars all. 

First Lord. Beseech your highness, give us better 

credit : 
We have always truly served you, and beseech you 
So to esteem of us, and on our knees we beg, 
As recompense of our dear services iso 

Past and to come, that you do change this pur- 
pose, 

150 dear = honorable. ' 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 31 

Which being so horrible, so bloody, must 

Lead on to some foul issue : we aU kneel. 

Leontes. I am a feather for each wind that blows : 

Better burn it now. But be it ; let it live. 157 

It shall not neither. You, sir, come you hither; 

You that have been so tenderly officious 

With Lady Margery, your wife there, leo 

What will you adventure 

To save this babe's life? 

Antigonus. Any thing, my lord. 

That my ability may undergo 

And nobleness impose: at least thus much: les 

I 'U pawn the little blood which I have left 

To save the innocent : any thing possible. 

Leontes. It shall be possible. Swear by this sword 

Thou wilt perform my bidding. 

Antigonus. I will, my lord. 

Leontes. Mark and perform it, see'st thou: for 

the fail 170 

Of any point in 't shall not only be 
Death to thyself but to thy loose-tongued wife. 
Whom for this time we pardon. We enjoin thee. 
As thou art liege-man to us, that thou carry 
This female infant hence and that thou bear it 175 
To some remote and desert place quite out 
Of our dominions, and that there thou leave it, 

176 desert place, Note 14. 



32 THE WINTER'S TALE [actii 

Without more mercy, to it own protection 
And favour of the chmate. As by strange fortune 
It came to us, I do in justice charge thee, iso 

On thy soul's peril and thy body's torture. 
That thou commend it strangely to some place 
Where chance may nurse or end it. Take it up. 
Antigonus. I swear to do this, though a present 

death 
Had been more merciful. Come on, poor babe : iss 
Some powerful spirit instruct the kites and ravens 
To be thy nurses ! Wolves and bears, they say. 
Casting their savageness aside have done 
Like offices of pity. Sir, be prosperous 
In more than this deed does require ! And blessing 190 
Against this cruelty fight on thy side. 
Poor thing, condemn'd to loss ! [Edt with the child. 

Enter a Servant. 

Servant. Please your highness, posts 

From those you sent to the oracle are come 

An hour since: Cleomenes and Dion, 195 

Being well arrived from Delphos, are both landed, 

Hasting to the court. 

First Lord. So please you, sir, their speed 

Hath been beyond account. 

Leontes. Twenty-three days 

178 it = its, Note 5 (6). 182 commend . . . place = take it to some 

strange (foreign) place, Notes 3 and 7. 187 Wolves, Note 17. 

190 require = deserve. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 33 

They have been absent: 'tis good speed; foretells 
The great Apollo suddenly will have 200 

The truth of this appear. Prepare you, lords; 
Summon a session, that we may arraign 
Our most disloyal lady, for, as she hath 
Been publicly accused, so shall she have 
A just and open trial. While she lives 205 

My heart will be a burthen to me. Leave me, 
And think upon my bidding. [Exeunt. 



ACT III 

Scene I. A sea-port in Sidlia. 

Enter Cleomenes and Dion, Lords of Sicilia. 

Cleomenes. The climate's delicate, the air most 

sweet, 
Fertile the isle, the temple much surpassing 
The common praise it bears. 
Dion. I shall report. 

For most it caught me, the celestial habits, 
Methinks I so should term them, and the rever- 
ence 5 
Of the grave wearers. O, the sacrifice ! 
How ceremonious, solemn and unearthly 
It was i' the offering! 
Cleomenes. But of all, the burst 
And the ear-deafening voice o' the oracle. 
Kin to Jove's thunder, so surprised my sense, lo 
That I was nothing! 

Dion. If the event o' the journey 

Prove as successful to the queen, — O be 't so! — 
As it hath been to us rare, pleasant, speedy. 
The time is worth the use on 't. 
Cleomenes. Great Apollo 

Turn all to the best! These proclamations, i5 

So forcing faults upon Hermione, 

2 isle. Note 13. 14 time is worth, etc. = the time has been well spent. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 35 

I little like. 

Dion. The violent carriage of it 

Will clear or end the business : when the oracle. 

Thus by Apollo's great divine seal'd up. 

Shall the contents discover, something rare 20 

Even then will rush to knowledge. Go: fresh 

horses ! 
And gracious be the issue ! [Exeunt. 

Scene II. A court of Justice. 

Enter Leontes, Lords, and Officers. 

Leontes. This sessions, to our great grief we pro- 
nounce, 
Even pushes 'gainst our heart: the party tried 
The daughter of a king, our wife, and one 
Of us too much beloved. Let us be clear'd 
Of being tyi-annous, since we so openly 5 

Proceed in justice, which shaU have due course. 
Produce the prisoner. 

Officer. It is his highness' pleasure that the queen 
Appear in person here in court. Silence ! 10 

Enter Hermione guarded; Paulina and Ladies attending. 

Leontes. Read the indictment. 

Officer. [Reads] Hermione, queen to the worthy 

Leontes, king of Sicilia, thou art here accused 

17 carriage = management. 
20 Shall the contents discover = shall disclose its contents. 



36 THE WINTER'S TALE [acthi 

and arraigned of high treason, with Polixenes, 
king of Bohemia, and conspiring with Camillo to 
take away the life of our sovereign lord the king, 
thy royal husband : the pretence whereof being by 
circumstances partly laid open, thou, Hermione, 
contrary to the faith and allegiance of a true sub- 
ject, didst counsel and aid them, for their better 
safety, to fly away by night. 
Hermione. Since what I am to say must be but 

that 
Which contradicts my accusation and 
The testimony on my part no other 25 

But what comes from myself, it shall scarce boot 

me 
To say 'not guilty.' But if powers divine 
Behold our human actions, as they do, 30 

I doubt hot then but innocence shall make 
False accusation blush and tyranny 
Tremble at patience. You, my lord, best know. 
Who least will seem to do so, my past life 
Hath been as true, 35 

As I am now unhappy ; which is more 
Than history can pattern. For behold me 
A fellow of the royal house, which owe 
A moiety of the throne, a great king's daughter, 40 
The mother to a hopeful prince, here standing 

18 pretence — design. 39 owe = own, Note 5 (6). 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE m 

To prate and talk for life and honour 'fore 

Who please to come and hear. For life, I prize it 

As I weigh grief, which I would spare : for honour, 

'T is a derivative from me to mine, 45 

And only that I stand for. I appeal 

To your own conscience, sir, before Polixenes 

Came to your court, how I was in your grace. 

How merited to be: if one jot beyond 51 

The bound of honour, or in act or will 

That way inclining, harden'd be the hearts 

Of all that hear me, and my near'st of kin 

Cry fie upon my grave ! 

Leontes. I ne'er heard yet 55 

That any of these bolder vices wanted 

Less impudence to gainsay what they did 

Than to perform it first. 

Hermione. That 's true enough ; 

Though 't is a saying, sir, not due to me. 

Leontes. You will not own it. 

Hermione. More than mistress of eo 

Which comes to me in name of fault, I must not 

At all acknowledge. Now, for conspiracy, 

I know not how it tastes; though it be dish'd 

For me to try how: all I know of it 

Is that Camillo was an honest man ; 75 

56 wanted less impudence, a kind of double negative : let wanted = had. 
Note 4. 60 More than mistress, etc. = I must not acknowledge more 
faults than I have. 



38 THE WINTER'S TALE [actiii 

And why he left your court, the gods themselves, 

Wotting no more than 1, are ignorant. 

Leontes. You knew of his departure, as you know 

What you have underta'en to do in 's absence. 

Hermione. Sir, so 

You speak a language that I understand not : 

My hfe stands in the level of your dreams. 

Which I '11 lay down. 

Leontes. Your actions are my dreams. 

So thou 90 

Shalt feel our justice, in whose easiest passage 

Look for no less than death. 

Hermione. Sir, spare your threats : 

The bug which you would fright me with I seek. 

To me can life be no commodity: 

The crown and comfort of my life, your favour, 95 

I do give lost; for I do feel it gone. 

But know not how it went. My second joy. 

From his presence 

I am barr'd, like one infectious. My third comfort, 

Starr 'd most unluckily, is from my breast, 100 

Haled out to murder: myself on every post 

Proclaimed : with immodest hatred hurried 

Here to this place, i' the open air. My liege, loe 

Tell me what blessings I have here alive, 

77 Wotting = knowing, i. e. , if they know. 9 1 passage, i. e. , the sentence. 

93 bug = bugbear. 94 commodity = advantage. 

100 Starred : see note on II, 1, 105. 102 Haled = dragged. 



SCENE II ] THE WINTER'S TALE 39 

That I should fear to die? Therefore proceed. 

But yet hear this; mistake me not; no life, no 

I prize it not a straw, but for mine honour. 

Which I would free, if I shall be condemn'd 

Upon surmises, I tell you 

'T is rigour and not law. Your honours aU, 115 

I do refer me to the oracle: 

Apollo be my judge! 

First Lord. This your request 

Is altogether just: therefore bring forth. 

And in Apollo's name, his oracle. 

[Exeunt certain Officers. 

Hermione. The Emperor of Russia was my father: 120 
O that he were alive, and here beholding 
His daughter's trial! that he did but see 
The flatness of my misery, yet with eyes 
Of pity, not revenge ! 

Re-enter Officers, with Cleomenes and Dion. 

Officer. You here shall swear upon this sword of 

justice, 125 

That you, Cleomenes and Dion, have 
Been both at Delphos, and from thence have 

brought 
This seal'd-up oracle, by the hand deliver'd 
Of great ApoUo's priest and that since then 
You have not dared to break the holy seal 130 

115 rigour = violence. 



40 THE WINTER'S TALE [actiii 

Nor read the secrets in 't. 
Cleomenes and Dion. All this we swear. 

Leontes. Break up the seals and read. 
Officer. [Reads] Hermione is innocent; Polixenes 
blameless; Camillo a true subject; Leontes a jeal- 
ous tyrant ; and the king shall live without an 135 
heir, if that which is lost be not found. 
Lords. Now blessed be the great Apollo ! 
Hermione. Praised ! 

Leontes. Hast thou read truth ? 
Officer. Ay, my lord; even so 

As it is here set down. i4o 

Leontes. There is no truth at all i' the oracle : 
The sessions shall proceed: this is mere falsehood. 

Enter Servant. 

Servant. My lord the king, the king! 

Leontes. What is the business ? 

Servant. O sir, I shall be hated to report it! 

The prince your son is gone. 

Leontes. How! gone! 

Servant. Is dead, ue 

Leontes. Apollo 's angry ; and the heavens them- 
selves 

Do strike at my injustice. [Hermione swoons.l How 
now- there! 

Paulina. This news is mortal to the queen: look 
down 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 41 

And see what death is doing. 

Leontes. Take her hence: i5o 

Her heart is but o'ercharged; she will recover: 

I have too much believed mine own suspicion: 

Beseech you, tenderly apply to her 

Some remedies for life. 

[Exeunt Paulina and Ladies, with Hermione. 
Apollo, pardon 
My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle ! 155 

1 11 reconcile me to Polixenes, 
New woo my queen, recall the good Camillo, 
Whom I proclaim a man of truth, of mercy ; 
For, being transported by my jealousies 
To bloody thoughts and to revenge, I chose leo 

Camillo for the minister to poison 
My friend PoHxenes: which had been done, 
But that the good mind of Camillo tardied 
My swift command : he, most humane lee 

And fiU'd with honour, to my kingly guest 
Unclasp 'd my practice, quit his fortunes here, 
Which you knew great, and to the hazard 
Of all incertainties himself commended, 170 

No richer than his honour: how he glisters 
Thorough my rust! and how his piety 
Does my deeds make the blacker! 

168 Unclasped my practice = revealed my plot. 
171 No richer than his honour = with no riches except his honor. 



42 THE WINTER'S TALE [actih 

Re-enter Paulina. 

Paulina. Woe the while! 

O, cut my lace, lest my heart, cracking it. 

Break too ! 

First Lord. What fit is this, good lady? 175 

Paulina. O lords. 

When I have said, cry 'woe!' — the queen, the 
queen, 201 

The sweet'st, dear'st creature 's dead, and ven- 
geance for 't 

Not dropp'd down yet. 

First Lord. The higher powers forbid! 

Paulina. I say she's dead; I'll swear 't. If word 
nor oath 

Prevail not, go and see : if you can bring 205 

Tincture or lustre in her Hp, her eye. 

Heat outwardly or breath within, I '11 serve you 

As I would do the gods. But, O thou tyrant! 

Do not repent these things, for they are heavier 

Than all thy woes can stir: therefore betake thee 210 

To nothing but despair. 

Leontes. Go on, go on : 215 

Thou canst not speak too much ; I have deserved 

All tongues to talk their bitterest. 

First Lord. Say no more: 

Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault 

206 Tincture, etc. = color in her lip or luster in her eye, Note 7 (a). 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 43 

I' the boldness of your speech. 

Paulina. I am sorry for 't: 

All faults I make, when I shaU come to know 

them, 220 

I do repent. Alas! I have show'd too much 
The rashness of a woman : he is touch'd 
To the noble heart. What 's gone and what's past 

help 
Should be past grief: do not receive affliction 
At my petition; I beseech you, rather 225 

Let me be punish'd, that have minded you 
Of what you should forget. Now, good my liege, 
Sir, royal sir, forgive a foolish woman : 
The love I bore your queen — lo, fool again! — 
I 'U speak of her no more, nor of your children ; 230 
I '11 not remember you of my own lord. 
Who is lost too: take your patience to you. 
And I '11 say nothing. 

Leontes. Thou didst speak but well 

When most the truth; which I receive much bet- 
ter 
Than to be pitied of thee. Prithee, bring me 235 

To the dead bodies of my queen and son : 
One grave shall be for both: upon them shall 
The causes of their death appear, unto 
Our shame perpetual. Once a day I '11 visit 
The chapel where they lie, and tears shed there 240 



44 THE WINTER'S TALE [actih 

Shall be my recreation: so long as nature 
Will bear up with this exercise, so long 
I daily vow to use it. Come and lead me 
Unto these sorrows. [Exeunt. 

Scene III. Bohemia. A desert country near the sea. 

Enter Antigonus with a child, and a Mariner. 

Antigonus. Thou art perfect then, our ship hath 

touch 'd upon 
The deserts of Bohemia ? 

Mariner. Ay, my lord; and fear . 

We have landed in ill time: the skies look grimly 
And threaten present blusters. In my conscience, 
The heavens with that we have in hand are angry 5 
And frown upon 's. 
Antigonus. Their sacred wills be done! Go, get 

aboard ; 
Look to thy bark : I '11 not be long before 
I call upon thee. 

Mariner. Make your best haste, and go not 10 

Too far i' the land : 't is like to be loud weather ; 
Besides, this place is famous for the creatures 
Of prey that keep upon 't. 
Antigonus. Go thou away: 

1 11 follow instantly. 

243 daily vow to use. Note 7. 1 perfect = certain. 
2 Bohemia, Note 13. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 45 

Marmer. I am glad at heart 

To be so rid o' the business. [Exit. 

Antigonus. Come, poor babe: is 

I have heard, but not beheved, the spirits o' the 

dead 
May walk again : if such thing be, thy mother 
Appear 'd to me last night, for ne'er was dream 
So like a waking. To me comes a creature 
In pure white robes ; 
Like very sanctity, she did approach 
My cabin where I lay; thrice bow'd and anon 24 
Did this break from her: *Good Antigonus, 
Since fate, against thy better disposition. 
Hath made thy person for the thrower-out 
Of my poor babe, according to thine oath, so 

Places remote enough are in Bohemia, , 
There weep and leave it crying; and, for the babe 
Is counted lost for ever, Perdita, 
I prithee, call 't. For this ungentle business. 
Put on thee by my lord, thou ne'er shalt see 35 
Thy wife Paulina more.' And so, with shrieks. 
She melted into air. Affrighted much, 
I did in time collect myself and thought 
This was so and no slumber. Dreams are toys: 
Yet for this once, yea, superstitiously, 40 

I will be squared by this. I do believe 

39 toys = trifles. 41 squared = ruled, guided. 



46 THE WINTER'S TALE [actiii 

Hermione hath suffer 'd death, and that 

Apollo would the babe should here be laid. 

Either for life or death, upon the earth. 45 

Blossom, speed thee well! 

There he, and there thy character: there these; 

Which may, if fortune please, both breed thee, 

pretty. 
And still rest thine. The storm begins: poor wretch, 
That for thy mother's fault art thiis exposed so 
To loss and what may follow! Weep I cannot. 
But my heart bleeds; and most accursed am I 
To be by oath enjoin'd to this. Farewell! 
The day frowns more and more : thou 'rt like to 

have 
A lullaby too rough: I never saw 55 

The heavens so dim by day. A savage clamour! 
Well may I get aboard ! This is the chase : 

I am gone for ever. [Exit, pursued hy a hear. 

Enter a Shepherd. 

Shepherd. I would there were no age between six- 
teen and three-and-twenty, or that youth would eo 
sleep out the rest; for there is nothing in the be- 
tween but wronging the ancientry, stealing, fight- es 
ing — Hark you now! Would any but these boiled 

47 character = a written scroll giving the child's name and age. 

47 these, coins and jewels. 48 breed = offer support for. 

63 ancientry = people of old (noble) famihes. 

64 boiled brains ~ hot-headed fellows. 



SCENE III] THE WmTER'S TALE 47 

brains of nineteen and two-and-twenty hunt this es 
weather? They have scared away two of my best 
sheep, which I fear the wolf will sooner find than 
the master: if any where I have them, 'tis by the 
sea-side, browsing of ivy. Good luck, an 't be thy 
will! what have we here? Mercy on's, a barne; a 70 
very pretty barne! A boy or a child, I wonder? 
A pretty one; a very pretty one: I '11 take it up 
for pity: yet I '11 tarry till my son come; he hal- 
looed but even now. Whoa, ho, hoa! 

Enter Clown. 

Clown. Hilloa, loa! so 

Shepherd. What, art so near? If thou 'It see a 
thing to talk on when thou art dead, come hither. 
What ailest thou, man? 

Clown. I have seen two such sights, by sea and 
by land! but I am not to say it is a sea, for it is 85 
now the sky : betwixt the firmament and it you 
cannot thrust a bodkin's point. 
Shepherd. Why, boy, how is it? 
Clown. I would you did but see how it chafes, 
how it rages, how it takes up the shore ! but that 's 90 
not to the point. O, the most piteous cry of the 
poor souls ! sometimes to see 'em, and not to see 
'em ; now the ship boring the moon with her main- 
mast, and anon swallowed with yest and froth, as 

69 an 't be thy will = if it be thy will. 70 barne = child. 
7 1 child = girl. 94 yest = foam. 



48 THE WINTER'S TALE [actih 

you 'Id thrust a cork into a hogshead. And then 95 
for the land-service, to see how the bear tore out 
his shoulder-bone; how he cried to me for help 
and said his name was Antigonus, a nobleman. 
But to make an end of the ship, to see how the 
sea flap-dragoned it : but, first, how the poor 100 
souls roared, and the sea mocked them; and how 
the poor gentleman roared and the bear mocked 
him, both roaring louder than the sea or weather. 
Shepherd. Name of mercy, when was this, boy ? 105 
Clown. Now, now : I have not winked since I saw 
these sights: the men are not yet cold under 
water, nor the bear hah* dined on the gentleman: 
he 's at it now. 

Shepherd. Would I had been by, to have helped no 
the old man ! 

Clown. I would you had been by the ship's side, 
to have helped her: there your charity would have 
lacked footing. 

Shepherd. Heavy matters! heavy matters! but 115 
look thee here, boy. Now bless thyself: thou met- 
test with things dying, I with things new-born. 
Here 's a sight for thee ; look thee, a bearing-cloth 
for a squire's child! look thee here; take up, take 

96 land-service : the metaphor is that of a battle fought by land and 
naval forces at the same time. 100 flap-dragon'd = swallowed whole. 
Note 18. 118 bearing-cloth = the wrapping in which a child was 

carried to church for baptism. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 49 

up, boy; open't. So, let's see: it was told me I 120 
should be rich by the fairies. This is some change- 
ling: open't. What's within, boy? 
Clown. You 're a made old man : if the sins of 
your youth are forgiven you, you 're well to hve. 125 
Gold! all gold! 

Shepherd. This is fairy gold, boy, and 't will prove 
so : up with 't, keep it close : home, home, the next 
way. We are lucky, boy; and to be so still re- 
quires nothing but secrecy. Let my sheep go: 130 
come, good boy, the next way home. 
Clown. Go you the next way with your findings. 
I '11 go see if the bear be gone from the gentle- 
man and how much he hath eaten: they are 
never curst but when they are hungry: if there 135 
be any of him left, I '11 bury it. 
Shepherd. That 's a good deed. If thou mayest dis- 
cern by that which is left of him what he is, fetch 
me to the sight of him. 

Clown. Marry, will I ; and you shall help to put i40 
him i' the ground. 
Shepherd. 'T is a lucky day, boy, and we '11 do 

good deeds on 't. [Exeunt. 

135 curst = malicious. 140 Marry = indeed. 



ACT IV 

Scene I 
[This Scene is omitted.] 
A lapse of siocteen years. 

Scene II. Bohemia. The palace of Poliocenes. 

Enter Polixenes and Camillo. 

Poliocenes. I pray thee, good Camillo, be no more 
importunate: 'tis a sickness denying thee any 
thing; a death to grant this. 
Camillo. It is fifteen years since I saw my coun- 
try: though I have for the most part been aired 5 
abroad, I desire to lay my bones there. Besides, 
the penitent king, my master, hath sent for me. 
Poliocenes. As thou lovest me, Camillo, wipe not ii 
out the rest of thy services by leaving me now: 
the need I have of thee thine own goodness hath 
made; better not to have had thee than thus to 
want thee: thou, having made me businesses which 15 
none without thee can sufficiently manage, must 
either stay to execute them thyself or take away 
with thee the very services thou hast done. Of 19 
that fatal country, Sicilia, prithee speak no more; 
whose very naming punishes me with the re- 
membrance of that penitent, as thou callest him, 25 

4 fifteen : an accident for sixteen. 5 been aired = breathed -.i.e., lived. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 51 

and reconciled king, my brother; whose loss of 26 
his most precious queen and children are even 
now to be afresh lamented. Say to me, when 
sawest thou the Prince Florizel, my son ? 
Camillo. Sir, it is three days since I saw the prince. 32 
What his happier affairs may be, are to me un- 
known: he is of late much retired from court. 
Polixenes. I have considered so much, Camillo, 
and with some care; so far that I have eyes un- 4o 
der my service which look upon his removedness; 
from whom I have this intelligence, that he is 
seldom from the house of a most homely shep- 
herd; a man, they say, that from very nothing, 
and beyond the imagination of his neighbours, is 45 
grown into an unspeakable estate. 
Camillo. I have heard, sir, of such a man, who 
hath a daughter of most rare note : the report of 
her is extended more than can be thought to be- 
gin from such a cottage. 50 
Polixenes. That 's likewise part of my intelligence ; 
but, I fear, the angle that plucks our son thither. 
Thou shalt accompany us to the place; where we 
will have some question with the shepherd; from 55 
whose simplicity I think it not uneasy to get the 
cause of my son's resort thither. Prithee, be my 

39 considered . . . with care = noticed . . . with anxiety. 40 eyes, 

i.e., spies. 41 his removedness, i.e., him at a distance. 52 the angle, 
etc. = she is the bait (attraction), etc. 56 mieasy = diiScult. 



52 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

present partner in this business, and lay aside the 
thoughts of Siciha. 

Camillo. I wilhngly obey your conimand. eo 

Polixenes. My best Camillo! We must disguise 

ourselves. [Exeunt. 

Scene III. A road near the Shepherd's cottage. 

Enter Autolycus^ a rogue, singing. 

When daffodils begin to peer, 

With heigh ! the doxy over the dale, 

Why, then comes in the sweet o' the year; 
For the red blood reigns in the winter's pale. 

The white sheet bleaching on the hedge, 5 

With heigh! the sweet birds, O, how they 
sing! 

Doth set my pugging tooth on edge; 
For a quart of ale is a dish for a king. 

The lark, that tirra-lyra chants. 

With heigh ! with heigh ! the thrush and the jay, lo 
Are summer songs for me and my aunts. 

While we lie tumbling in the hay. 

I have served Prince Florizel and in my time 
wore three-pile; but now I am out of service: 

1 peer = appear, Note 19. 2 doxy = sweetheart. 4 pale = limit. 

7 pugging = thieving ; as we say sweet-tooth. 

14 three-pile = rich velvet. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 53 

But shall I go mourn for that, my dear? i5 

The pale moon shines by night: 
And when I wander here and there, 

I then do most go right. 

If tinkers may have leave to hve. 

And bear the sow-skin budget, 20 

Then my account I well may give, 

And in the stocks avouch it. 

My traffic is sheets; when the kite builds, look to 
lesser linen. My father named me Autolycus; 
who was likewise a snapper-up of unconsidered 26 
trifles. My revenue is the silly cheat. Gallows and 
knock are too powerful on the highway : beating 
and hanging are terrors to me : for the life to 30 
come, I sleep out the thought of it. A prize! a 
prize! 

Enter Clown. 

Clown. Let me see: every 'leven wether tods; 

every tod yields pound and odd shilling; fifteen 

hundred shorn, what comes the wool to ? 35 

Autolycus. [Aside] If the springe hold, the cock 's 

mine. 

Clown. I cannot do 't without counters. Let me 

see; what am I to buy for our sheep-shearing 

20 sow-skin budget = pedlar's pack. 23 My traffic. Note 20. 
26 unconsidered = unwatched. 33 every 'leven, etc. = every eleven 
sheep yields a tod (twenty-eight pounds of wool). 



54 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

feast ? Three pound of sugar, five pound of cur- 40 
rants, rice, — wliat will this sister of mine do with 
rice? But my father hath made her mistress of 
the feast, and she lays it on. She hath made me 
four and twenty nosegays for the shearers, three- 
man-song-men all, and very good ones; but they 45 
are most of them means and bases ; but one puri- 
tan amongst them, and he sings psalms to horn- 
pipes. I must have saffron to colour the warden 
pies ; mace; dates ? — none, that 's out of my note ; 
nutmegs, seven ; a race or two of ginger, but that 50 
I may beg ; four pound of prunes, and as many 
of raisins o' the sun. 
Autolycus. O that ever I was born! 

[Grovelling on the ground. 

Clown. I' the name of me— 

Autolycus. O, help me, help me! pluck but off 55 
these rags; and then, death, death! 
Clown. Alack, poor soul! thou hast need of 
more rags to lay on thee, rather than have these 
off. 

Autolycus. O sir, the loathsomeness of them of- 
fends me more than the stripes I have received, eo 
which are mighty ones and millions. 

45 three-man-song-men = singers of three-part songs, — treble, mean 
(tenor), and bass. 47 horn-pipes = dance-tmies. 48 warden = a large, 
hard pear. 49 note = list of things : here in memory. 50 race = root. 
52 raisins o' the sun = raisins. 



SCENE m J THE WmTER'S TALE 55 

Clown. Alas, poor man! a million of beating may 
come to a great matter. 

Autolycus. I am robbed, sir, and beaten; my 
money and apparel ta'en from me, and these de- 65 
testable things put upon me. 
Clown. What, by a horseman, or a footman? 
Autolycus. A footman, sweet sir, a footman. 
Clown. Indeed, he should be a footman by the gar- 
ments he has left with thee : if this be a horseman's 70 
coat, it hath seen very hot service. Lend me thy 
hand, I 'U help thee : come, lend me thy hand. 
Autolycus. O, good sir, tenderly, O ! 
Clown. Alas, poor soul! 75 

Autolycus. O, good sir, softly, good sir! I fear, 
sir, my shoulder-blade is out. 
Clown. How now! canst stand? 
Autolycus. {Picking Ms pocket] Softly, dear sir; good 
sir, softly. You ha' done me a charitable office. so 
Clown. Dost lack any money? I have a httle 
money for thee. 

Autolycus. No, good sweet sir; no, I beseech you, 
sir: I have a kinsman not past three-quarters of 85 
a mile hence, unto whom I was going; I shall 
there have money, or any thing I want : oiFer me 
no money, I pray you ; that kills my heart. 
Clown. What manner of fellow was he that 
robbed you? 90 



56 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Autolycus. A fellow, sir, that I have known to 
go about with troU-my-dames : I knew him once 
a servant of the prince: I cannot tell, good sir, 
for which of his virtues it was, but he was cer- 
tainly whipped out of the court. 
Clown. His vices, you would say ; there 's no vir- 
tue whipped out of the court: they cherish it to 
make it stay there. 99 

Autolycus. Vices, I would say, sir. I know this man 
well : he hath been since an ape-bearer ; then a 
process-server, a bailiff; then he compassed a mo- 
tion of the Prodigal Son, and married a tinker's 
wife within a mile where my land and living lies ; 
and, having flown over many knavish professions, 
he settled only in rogue : some call him Autolycus. 
Clown. Out upon him! prig, for my life, prig: he 
haunts wakes, fairs and bear-baitings. 
Autolycus. Very true, sir; he, sir, he; that's the 
rogue that put me into this apparel. m 

Clown. Not a more cowardly rogue in all Bohe- 
mia: if you had but looked big and spit at him, 
he 'Id have run. 

Autolycus. I must confess to you, sir, I am no 
fighter: I am false of heart that way ; and that he 
knew, I warrant him. 

92 troll-my-dames = a game resembling bagatelle. 

102 compassed a motion = obtained a puppet-show. 

108 prig = thief. 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 57 

Clown. How do you now? 

Autolycus. Sweet sir, much better than I was; I 
can stand and walk: I will even take my leave 120 
of you, and pace softly towards my kinsman's. 
Clown. Shall I bring thee on the way? 
Autolycus. No, good-faced sir; no, sweet sir. 
Clown. Then fare thee well: I must go buy spices 
for our sheep-shearing. 125 

Autolycus. Prosper you, sweet sir! [Exit Clown.] 
Your purse is not hot enough to purchase your 
spice. I '11 be with you at your sheep-shearing 
too: if I make not this cheat bring out another 
and the shearers prove sheep, let me be unrolled 130 
and my name put in the book of virtue ! 
[Sings'] Jog on, jog on, the foot-path way. 

And merrily hent the stile-a: 
A merry heart goes all the day. 

Your sad tires in a mile-a. [Exit. 135 

Scene IV. The Shepherd's cottage. 

Enter Florizel and Perdita. 

Florizel. These your unusual weeds to each part 

of you 
Do give a life: no shepherdess, but Flora 
Peering in April's front. This your sheep- shearing 

130 unrolled, i.e., from the list of thieves. 
133 hent = take, i.e., leap over. 1 weeds = garments. 



58 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Is as a meeting of the petty gods. 

And you the queen on 't. 

Perdita. Sir, my gracious lord, 5 

To chide at your extremes it not becomes me: 

O, pardon, that I name them ! Your high self. 

The gracious mark o' the land, you have obscured 

With a swain's wearing, and me, poor lowly maid. 

Most goddess-like prank'd up: but that our feasts lo 

In every mess have folly and the feeders 

Digest it with a custom, I should blush 

To see you so attired. 

Florizel. I bless the time 

When my good falcon made her flight across 15 

Thy father's ground. 

Perdita. Now Jove afford you cause ! 

To me the difference forges dread; your greatness 

Hath not been used to fear. Even now I tremble 

To think your father, by some accident, 

Should pass this way as you did: O, the Fates! 20 

How would he look ? What would he say ? Or how 

Should I, in these my borrow 'd flaunts, behold 23 

The sternness of his presence ? 

Florizel. Apprehend 

Nothing but jolUty. The gods themselves, 25 

6 extremes = fanciful extravagance in dress and conduct. 

9 wearing = dress. 1 1 mess = tableful of people. 

12 with a custom = from habit. 17 difference, i.e., in rank. 

23 flaunts = fineries. 



30 



36 



40 



45 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 59 

Humbling their deities to love, have taken 
The shapes of beasts upon them: Jupiter 
Became a bull, and bellow'd; the green Neptune 
A ram, and bleated; and the fire-robed god, 
Golden Apollo, a poor humble swain, 
As I seem now. Their transformations 
Were never for a piece of beauty rarer. 
Perdita. Your resolution cannot hold, when 't is 
Opposed, as it must be, by the power of the king. 
Florizel. Thou dearest Perdita, 

With these forced thoughts, I prithee, darken not 
The mirth o' the feast. Or I '11 be thine, my fair. 
Or not my father's. To this I am most constant, 
Though destiny say no. Be merry, gentle; 
Strangle such thoughts as these with any thing 
That you behold the while. Your guests are coming : 
Lift up your countenance, as it were the day 
Of celebration of that nuptial which 50 

We two have sworn shall come. Your guests ap- 
proach : 
Address yourself to entertain them sprightly. 
And let 's be red with mirth. 

Enter Shepherd, Clown, Mopsa, Dorcas (Shepherdesses), 
and others, with Polixenes and Camillo disguised. 

Shepherd. Fie, daughter! when my old wife hved, 
upon 55 

27 Jupiter, Note 21. 41 forced = exaggerated, anxious. 



60 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

This day she was both pantler, butler, cook, 

Both dame and servant; welcomed all, served all; 

Would sing her song and dance her turn ; nowhere. 

At upper end o' the table, now i' the middle; 

On his shoulder, and his; her face o' fire eo 

With labour, and the thing she took to quench it 

She would to each one sip. You are retired. 

As if you were a feasted one and not 

The hostess of the meeting : pray you, bid 

These unknown friends to 's welcome; for it is 65 

A way to make us better friends, more known. 

Come, quench your blushes and present yourself 

That which you are, mistress o' the feast : come on. 

And bid us welcome to your sheep-shearing. 

As your good flock shall prosper. 

Perdita. [To Polixenes] Sir, welcome: 7o 

It is my father's wiU I should take on me 

The hostess-ship o' the day. \To Camillo] You 're 

welcome, sir. 
Give me those flowers there, Dorcas. Reverend 

sirs. 
For you there 's rosemary and rue ; these keep 
Seeming and savour all the winter long: 75 

Grace and remembrance be to you both, 
And welcome to our shearing! 

60 shoulder, etc., i.e., as she waited on the guests at table. 
74 rosemary and rue : symbols of grace and remembrance. 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 61 

Polixenes. Shepherdess, — 

A fair one are you — well you fit our ages 
With flowers of winter. 

Perdita. Sir, the year growing ancient, 

Not yet on summer's death, nor on the birth so 
Of trembhng winter, the fairest flowers, o' the 

season 
Are our carnations and streak'd gillyvors. 
Which some call nature's bastards: of that kind 
Our rustic garden's barren; and I care not 
To get slips of them. 

Poliocenes. Wherefore, gentle maiden, ss 

Do you neglect them? 

Perdita. For I have heard it said 

There is an art which in their piedness shares 
With great creating nature. 
Poliocenes. Say there be; 

Yet nature is made better by no mean 
But nature makes that mean: so, over that art 9o 
Which you say adds to nature, is an art 
That nature makes. 
Perdita. So it is. 

Poliocenes. Then make your garden rich in gillyvors, 
And do not call them bastards. 
Perdita. I 'U not put 

The dibble in earth to set one slip of them ; loo 

82 gillyvors. Note 22. 83 bastards — spurious things, imitations. 



62 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

No more than were I painted I would wish 

This youth should say 't were well. 

Here 's flowers for you ; 

Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram; 

The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun 105 

And with him rises weeping: these are flowers 

Of middle summer, and I think they are given 

To men of middle age. You 're very welcome. 

Camillo. I should leave grazing, were I of your flock. 

And only live by gazing. 

Perdita. Out, alas! 110 

You 'Id be so lean, that blasts of January 

Would blow you through and through. Now, my 

fair'st friend, 
I would I had some flowers o' the spring that 

might 
Become your time of day; and yours, and yours: 
O Proserpina, iie 

For the flowers now, that frighted thou let'st fall 
From Dis's wagon! daffodils. 
That come before the swallow dares, and take 
The winds of March with beauty ; violets dim, 120 
But sweeter than the Hds of Juno's eyes 
Or Cytherea's breath; pale primroses. 
That die unmarried, ere they can behold 
Bright Phoebus in his strength ^ — a malady 

116 Proserpina, Note 23. 121 Juno, Note 21. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 63 

Most incident to maids; bold oxlips and 125 

The crown imperial; lilies of all kinds, 

The flower-de-luce being one! O, these I lack, 

To make you garlands of, and my sweet friend, 

To strew him o'er and o'er! 

Florizel. What, like a corse? 

Perdita. No, like a bank for love to lie and play on ; 130 

Not like a corse; or if, not to be buried. 

But quick and in mine arms. Come, take your 

flowers : 
Methinks I play as I have seen them do 
In Whitsun pastorals : sure this robe of mine 
Does change my disposition. 

Florizel. What you do 135 

Still betters what is done. When you speak, sweet, 
I 'Id have you do it ever : when you sing, 
I 'Id have you buy and sell so, so give alms. 
Pray so; and, for the ordering your affairs. 
To sing them too : when you do dance, I wish you 140 
A wave o' the sea, that you might ever do 
Nothing but that; move still, still so. 
And own no other function: each your doing, 
So singular in each particular. 

Crowns what you are doing in the present deed, 145 
That all your acts are queens. 

129 corse = corpse : in Shakespeare's time either a Uving ("quick") or 
dead body. 134 Whitsun, Note 24. 136 betters what is done. 

Note 25. 



64 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Perdita. O Doricles, 

Your praises are too large. 

Florizel. Our dance, I pray: 153 

Your hand, my Perdita: so turtles pair, 

That never mean to part. 

Perdita. I '11 swear for 'em. 155 

Poliooenes. This is the prettiest low-born lass that 

ever 
Ran on the green-sward : nothing she does or seems 
But smacks of something greater than herself. 
Too noble for this place. 

Camillo. He tells her something 

That makes her blood look out: good sooth, she is leo 
The queen of curds and cream. 
Clown. Come on, strike up! 

Dorcas. Mopsa must be your mistress: marry, 

garhc. 
To mend her kissing with ! 
Mopsa. Now, in good time! 

Clown. Not a word, a word; we stand upon our 

manners. 
Come, strike up! les 

\Music. Here a dance of Shepherds and Shepherdesses. 

Poliocenes. Pray, good shepherd, what fair swain 
is this 

154 turtles = turtle-doves. 160 good sooth = in truth. 
162 garlic, etc., i.e., let her eat garlic. 




Florizel Our dance, I pray : 

Your hand, my Perdita. 

Act IV, Scene IV, line 153. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 65 

Which dances with your daughter? 

Shepherd. They call him Doricles; and boasts 

himself 
To have a worthy feeding: but I have it 
Upon his own report and I believe it; 170 

He looks like sooth. He says he loves my daughter : 
I think so too; for never gazed the moon 
Upon the water as he 'U stand and read 
As 't were my daughter's eyes : and, to be plain, 
I think there is not half a kiss to choose 175 

Who loves another best. 
Polixenes. She dances featly. 

Shepherd. So she does any thing; though I report it, 
That should be silent: if young Doricles 
Do light upon her, she shall bring him that 
Which he not dreams of. • iso 

Enter Servant. 

Servant. O master, if you did but hear the pedlar 
at the door, you would never dance again after a 
tabor and pipe; no, the bagpipe could not move 
you : he sings several tunes faster than you '11 tell 
money; he utters them as he had eaten ballads i85 
and all men's ears grew to his tunes. 
Clown. He could never come better; he shall come 
in. I love a ballad but even too well, if it be dole- 

169 worthy feeding = valuable pasture-land. 169 but = merely, Note 7. 
176 another = the other ; featly = neatly. 



66 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

ful matter merrily set down, or a very pleasant 
thing indeed and sung lamentably. i90 

Servant. He hath songs for man or woman, of all 
sizes; no milHner can so fit his customers with 
gloves : he has the prettiest love-songs for maids ; 
with such delicate burthens of dildos and fadings. 195 
Polixenes. This is a brave fellow. 
Clown. Believe me, thou talkest of an admirable 
conceited fellow. Has he any unbraided wares? 
Servant. He hath ribbons of all the colours i' the 205 
rainbow; points more than all the lawyers in 
Bohemia can learnedly handle, though they come 
to him by the gross: inkles, caddisses, cambrics, 
lawns: why, he sings 'em over as they were gods 
or goddesses; you would think a smock were a 210 
she-angel, he so chants to the sleeve-hand and the 
work about the square on 't. 
Clown. Prithee bring him in ; and let him approach 

singing. [Exit Servant. 

Enter Autolycus, singing. 

Lawn as white as driven snow; 220 

Cyprus black as e'er was crow; 
Gloves as sweet as damask roses; 
Masks for faces and for noses; 

195 dildos and fadings, Note 19. 202 brave = fine. 204 unbraided : 
the clown's blunder for embroidered. 206 points = laces woven in 

points. 208 inkles = cheap tapes ; caddisses = worsted ribbons. 

211 sleeve-hand = cuiF. 212 square =front or bosom. 221 Cyprus = 
crape. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 67 

Bugle bracelet, necklace amber, 

Perfume for a lady's chamber; 225 

Golden quoifs and stomachers. 

For my lads to give their dears: 

Pins and poking-sticks of steel. 

What maids lack from head to heel: 

Come buy of me, come ; come buy, come buy ; 230 

Buy, lads, or else your lasses cry : 

Come buy. 
Clown. If I were not in love with Mopsa, thou 
shouldst take no money of me; but being en- 
thralled as I am, it will also be the bondage of 235 
certain ribbons and gloves. 

Mopsa. I was promised them against the feast; but 
they come not too late now. Come, you promised 252 
me a tawdry -lace and a pair of sweet gloves. 
Clown. Have I not told thee how I was cozened 
by the way and lost all my money? 255 

Autolycus. And indeed, sir, there are cozeners 
abroad ; therefore it behoves men to be wary. 
Clown. Fear not thou, man, thou shalt lose noth- 
ing here. 

Autolycus. I hope so, sir; for I have about me 260 
many parcels of charge. 

224 Bugle = an elongated bead. 226 quoifs = caps ; stomachers = 

stiffened fronts for ladies' bodices. 228 poking-sticks = rods for 

fluting ruffs. 253 tawdry-lace = necklace ; from St. Audrey, on whose 
day a fair was held. 261 charge = value. 



68 THE WmTER'S TALE [activ 

Clown. What hast here? ballads? 
Mopsa. Pray now, buy some: I love a ballad in 
print o' life, for then we are sure they are true. 
Autolycus. Here 's one to a very doleful tune, 265 
how a usurer's wife longed to eat adders' heads 
and toads carbonadoed. 
Mopsa. Is it true, think you? 

Autolycus. Very true, and but a month old. 270 

Dorcas. Bless me from marrying a usurer! 
Autolycus. Here 's the name to 't, one Mistress 
Tale-porter. Why should I carry lies abroad ? 275 
Mopsa. Pray you now, buy it. 
Clown. Come on, lay it by : and let 's first see 
more ballads; we '11 buy the other things anon. 
Autolycus. Here 's another ballad of a fish, that 
appeared upon the coast on Wednesday the four- 280 
score of April, forty thousand fathom above wa- 
ter, and sung this ballad against the hard hearts 
of maids: it was thought she was a woman and 
was turned into a cold fish : the ballad is very piti- 285 
ful and as true. 

Dorcas. Is it true too, think you ? 
Autolycus. Five justices' hands at it, and wit- 
nesses more than my pack will hold. 
Clown. Lay it by too : another. 290 

262 ballads, Note 26. 264 o' life = on my life : a mUd oath. 
268 carbonadoed = broiled. 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 69 

Autolycus. This is a merry ballad, but a very- 
pretty one. 
Mopsa. Let 's have some merry ones. 
Autolycus. Why, this is a passing merry one and 
goes to the tune of 'Two maids wooing a man;' 295 
there's scarce a maid westward but she sings it; 
't is in request, I can tell you. 
Mopsa. We can both sing it: if thou 'It bear a 
part, thou shalt hear; 'tis in three parts. 
Dorcas. We had the tune on 't a month ago. 300 
Autolycus. I can bear my part; you must know 
'tis my occupation; have at it with you. 

Song. 

A. Get you hence, for I must go 
Where it fits not you to know. 

i). Whither? M. O, whither? Z). Whither? 305 
M. It becomes thy oath full well. 
Thou to me thy secrets tell. 
D. Me too, let me go thither. 
M. Or thou goest to the grange or mill. 
D. If to either, thou dost ill. 310 

A. Neither. D. What, neither? A. Neither. 
D. Thou hast sworn my love to be. 
M. Thou hast sworn it more to me : 
Then whither goest? say, whither? 
Clown. We '11 have this song out anon by our- 315 

294 passing = surpassingly, exceedingly. 302 have at it = begin it. 



70 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

selves: my father and the gentlemen are in sad 
talk, and we '11 not trouble them. Come, bring 
away thy pack after me. Wenches, I '11 buy for 
you both. Pedlar, let 's have the first choice. Fol- 
low me, girls. [Exit with Dorcas and Mopsa. 320 

Autolycus. And you shall pay well for 'em. 

[Follows singing. 

Will you buy any tape. 

Or lace for your cape. 
My dainty duck, my dear-a? 

Any silk, any thread, ^ 325 

Any toys for your head. 
Of the new'st and finest, finest wear-a? 

Come to the pedlar; 

Money 's a medler. 
That doth utter all men's ware-a. [Edt. 330 

Re-enter Servant. 

Servant. Master, there is three carters, three shep- 
herds, three neat-herds, three swine-herds, that 
have made themselves all men of hair, they call 
themselves Saltiers, and they have a dance which 
the wenches say is a gallimaufry of gambols, be- 335 
cause they are not in 't ; but they themselves are 
o' the mind, if it be not too rough for some that 

316 sad = serious. 318 Wenches = girls. 329 medler . . . utter = money 

mixes things, causing property to pass from one person to another. 

334 Saltiers, the servant's blunder for Satyrs, Note 27. 

335 gallimaufry = confused mixture. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 71 

know little but bowling, it will please plentifully. 

Shepherd. Away! we '11 none on 't: here has been 34o 

too much homely foolery already. I know, sir, we 

weary you. 

Poliocenes. You weary those that refresh us: pray, 

let 's see these four threes of herdsmen. 

Servant. One three of them, by their own report, 345 

sir, hath danced before the king; and not the 

worst of the three but jumps twelve foot and a 

half by the squier. 

Shepherd. Leave your prating: since these good 

men are pleased, let them come in ; but quickly 350 

now. 

Servant. Why, they stay at door, sir. [Exit. 

Here a dance of twelve Satyrs. 

Polixenes. O, father, you'll know more of that 

hereafter. 
[To Camillo] Is it not too far gone? 'Tis time to 

part them. 
He 's simple and tells much. [To Florizel] How 

now, fair shepherd! 355 

Your heart is full of something that does take 
Your mind from feasting. Sooth, when I was 

young 
And handed love as you do, I was wont 

348 squier = square, measure. 353 O, father, etc. : a reply to some- 
thing the shepherd has been saying. 358 handed = was engaged in. 



72 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

To load my she with knacks: I would have ran- 

sack'd 
The pedlar's silken treasury and have pour'd it seo 
To her acceptance ; you have let him go 
And nothing marted with him. If your lass 
Interpretation should abuse and call this 
Your lack of love or bounty, you were straited 
For a reply, at least if you make a care 365 

Of happy holding her. 
Florizel. Old sir, I know 

She prizes not such trifles as these are: 
The gifts she looks from me are pack'd and lock'd 
Up in my heart; which I have given already. 
But not deliver 'd. O, hear me breathe my life 370 
Before this ancient sir, who, it should seem. 
Hath sometime loved ! I take thy hand, this hand, 
As soft as dove's down and as white as it. 
Or Ethiopian's tooth, or the fann'd snow that 's 

bolted 
By the northern blasts twice o'er. 
Polixenes. What follows this? 375 

How prettily the young swain seems to wash 
The hand was fair before! I have put you out: 
But to your protestation; let me hear 
What you profess. 
Florizel. Do, and be witness to 't. 

362 marted = traded. 362 If your lass, etc. , Note 28, 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 73 

Polixenes. And this my neighbour too? 
Florizel. And he, and more 38o 

Than he, and men, the earth, the heavens, and all: 
That, were I crown'd the most imperial monarch, 
Thereof, most worthy, were I the fairest youth 
That ever made eye swerve, had force and know- 
ledge 
More than was ever man's, I would not prize 

them 385 

Without her love; for her employ them all. 
Camillo. This shows a sound affection. 
Shepherd. But, my daughter. 

Say you the hke to him? 

Perdita. I cannot speak 390 

So well, nothing so well; no, nor mean better: 
By the pattern of mine own thoughts I cut out 
The purity of his. 

Shepherd. Take hands, a bargain! 

And, friends unknown, you shall bear witness to 't: 
I give my daughter to him, and will make 395 

Her portion equal his. 
Florizel. O, that must be 

I' the virtue of your daughter: one being dead, 
I shall have more than you can dream of yet; 
Enough then for your wonder. But, come on. 
Contract us 'fore these witnesses. 

393 bargain, Note 11. 



74 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Shepherd. Come, your hand; 4oo 

And, daughter, yours. 

Poliocenes. Soft, swain, awhile, beseech you; 

Have you a father? 

Florizel. I have: but what of him? 

Poliocenes. Knows he of this ? 

Florizel. He neither does nor shall. 

Polixenes. Methinks a father 

Is at the nuptial of his son a guest 405 

That best becomes the table. Pray you once more. 

Is not your father grown incapable 

Of reasonable affairs ? is he not stupid 

With age and altering rheums? can he speak? 

hear? 
Know man from man? dispute his own estate? 410 
Lies he not bed-rid? and again does nothing 
But what he did being childish ? 
Florizel. No, good sir; 

He has his health and ampler strength indeed 
Than most have of his age. 
Poliocenes. By my white beard. 

You offer him, if this be so, a wrong 415 

Something unfilial: the father should hold some 

counsel 
In such a business. 
Florizel. I yield all this; 420 

410 dispute . . . estate = discuss his own affairs. 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 75 

But for some other reasons, my grave sir, 

Which 't is not fit you know, I not acquaint 

My father of this business. 

Polixenes. Let him know 't. 

Florizel. He shall not. 

Polixenes. Prithee, let him. 

Florizel. No, he must not. 

Shepherd. Let him, my son : he shall not need to 

grieve 425 

At knowing of thy choice. 

Florizel. Come, come, he must not. 

Mark our contract. 
Polixenes. Mark your divorce, young sir, 

[Discovering himself. 

Whom son I dare not call; thou art too base 

To be acknowledged: thou a sceptre's heir, 

That thus affect 'st a sheep-hook ! Thou old traitor, 430 

I am sorry that by hanging thee I can 

But shorten thy life one week. And thou, fresh 

piece 
Of excellent witchcraft, who of force must know 
The royal fool thou copest with, — 
Shepherd. O, my heart! 

Polixenes. I '11 have thy beauty scratch 'd with 

briers, and made 435 

427 divorce = separation. 433 of force = without doubt. 
434 copest with = meetest. 



76 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

More homely than thy state. For thee, fond boy, 
If I may ever know thou dost but sigh 
That thou no more shalt see this knack, as never 
I mean thou shalt, we '11 bar thee from succession; 
Not hold thee of our blood, no, not our kin ; 440 

Follow us to the court. Thou churl, for this time, 
Though fuU of our displeasure, yet we free thee 
From the dead blow of it. And you, enchant- 
ment, — 
Worthy enough a herdsman; yea, him too, 445 

That makes himself, but for our honour therein, 
Unworthy thee, — if ever henceforth thou 
These rural latches to his entrance open, 
Or hoop his body more with thy embraces, 
I wiU devise a death as cruel for thee 450 

As thou art tender to' t. [Exit 

Perdita. Even here undone! 

I was not much afeard ; for once or twice 
I was about to speak and tell him plainly. 
The selfsame sun that shines upon his court 
Hides not his visage from our cottage but 455 

Looks on alike. Will 't please you, sir, be gone ? 
I told you what would come of this : beseech you. 
Of your own state take care : this dream of mine, — 
Being now awake, I '11 queen it no inch farther, 

438 knack = pretty trifle, i.e., Perdita. 452 afeard, Note 5 (6). 
456 Looks on alike = overlooks the world impartially. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 77 

But milk my ewes and weep. 

Camillo. Why, how now, father! 46o 

Speak ere thou diest. 

Shepherd. I cannot speak, nor think. 

Nor dare to know that which I know. O sir! 

You have undone a man of fourscore three. 

That thought to fill his grave in quiet, yea. 

To die upon the bed my father died, 465 

To he close by his honest bones: but now 

Some hangman must put on my shroud and lay me 

Where no priest shovels in dust. Undone ! undone ! 470 

If I might die within this hour, I have lived 

To die when I desire. [Exit. 

Florizel. Why look you so upon me? 

I am but sorry, not afeard; delay'd. 

But nothing alter 'd: what I was, I am. 

Camillo. Gracious my lord, 476 

You know your father's temper : at this time 

He will allow no speech, which I do guess 

You do not purpose to him; and as hardly 

Will he endure your sight as yet, I fear: 48o 

Then, till the fury of his highness settle. 

Come not before him. 

Florizel. I not purpose it. 

I think, Camillo? 

Camillo. Even he, my lord. 

480 your sight = sight of you. 



78 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Perdita. How often have I told you 'twould be 

thus! 
How often said, my dignity would last 485 

But till 'twere known! 
Florizel. It cannot fail but by 

The violation of my faith ; and then 
Let nature crush the sides o' the earth together 
And mar the seeds within ! Lift up thy looks : 
From my succession wipe me, father; I 490 

Am heir to my affection. 
Camillo. Be advised. 

Florizel. I am, and by my fancy : if my reason 
Will thereto be obedient, I have reason; 
If not, my senses, better pleased with madness. 
Do bid it welcome. 

Camillo. This is desperate, sir. 495 

Florizel. So call it: but it does fulfil my vow; 
I needs must think it honesty. Camillo, 
Not for Bohemia, nor the pomp that may 
Be thereat glean'd, for all the sun sees or 
The close earth holds or the profound seas hide 500 
In unknown fathoms, will I break my oath 
To this my fair beloved : therefore, I pray you, 
As you have ever been my father's honour'd friend, 
When he shall miss me, — as, in faith, I mean not 
To see him any more, — cast your good counsels 505 

492 fancy = love. 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 79 

Upon his passion : let myself and fortune 

Tug for the time to come. This you may know 

And so deUver: I am put to sea 

With her whom here I cannot hold on shore; 

And most opportune to our need I have sio 

A vessel rides fast by, but not prepared 

For this design. What course I mean to hold 

Shall nothing benefit your knowledge. 

Camillo. O my lord ! 

I would your spirit were easier for advice, 5i5 

Or stronger for your need. 

Florizel. Hark, Perdita. [Drawing her aside. 

1 11 hear you by and by. 

Camillo. He 's irremoveable. 

Resolved for flight. Now were I happy, if 

His going I could frame to serve my turn. 

Save him from danger, do him love and honour, 520 

Purchase the sight again of dear Sicilia 

And that unhappy king, my master, whom 

I so much thirst to see. 

Florizel. Now, good Camillo; 

I am so fraught with curious business that 

I leave out ceremony. 

Camillo. Sir, I think 525 

You have heard of my poor services, i' the love 

That I have borne your father? 

520 do = show. 324 fraught, etc. = burdened with difficult business. 



80 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Florizel. Very nobly 

Have you deserved: it is my father's music 

To speak your deeds, not little of his care 

To have them recompensed as thought on. 

Camillo. Well, my lord, 530 

If you may please to think I love the king 

And through him what is nearest to him, which is 

Your gracious self, embrace but my direction : 

I '11 point you where you shall have such receiving 536 

As shall become your highness ; where you may 

Enjoy your mistress, from the whom, I see, 

There's no disjunction to be made; marry her. 

And, with my best endeavours in your absence, 541 

Your discontenting father strive to quaUfy 

And bring him up to liking. 

Florizel. How, Camillo, 

May this, almost a miracle, be done? 

That I may call thee something more than man 545 

And after that trust to thee. 

Camillo. Have you thought on 

A place whereto you '11 go ? 

Florizel. Not any yet: 

But as the unthought-on accident is guilty 

To what we wildly do, so we profess 

Ourselves to be the slaves of chance and flies 550 

530 as thought on = as thought of; i.e., according to their value. 

533 embrace, etc. = only follow my advice. 

542 discontenting = discontented, Note 3 (?>). 548 guilty to, Note 5 (c). 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 81 

Of every wind that blows. 

Camillo. Then Mst to me: 

This follows, if you will not change your purpose 

But undergo this flight, make for Sicilia, 

And there present yourself and your fair princess. 

For so I see she must be, 'fore Leontes; 555 

She shall be habited as it becomes 

The partner of your hfe. Methinks I see 

Leontes opening his free arms and weeping 

His welcomes forth ; asks thee the son forgiveness, 

As 't were i' the father's person. 560 

Florizel. Worthy Camillo, 

What colour for my visitation shall I 565 

Hold up before him? 

Camillo. Sent by the king your father 

To greet him and to give him comforts. Sir, 

The manner of your bearing towards him, with 

What you as from your father shall deliver. 

Things known betwixt us three, I '11 write you 

down : 570 

The which shall point you forth at every sitting 
What you must say. 

Florizel. I am bound to you; 

There is some sap in this. 

Camillo. A cause more promising 575 

Than a wild dedication ^of yourselves 
To unpath'd waters, undream 'd shores, most certain 



82 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

To miseries enough; besides you know 

Prosperity 's the very bond of love, 

Whose fresh complexion and whose heart together 

Affliction alters. 

Perdita. One of these is true: 585 

I think affliction may subdue the cheek, 

But not take in the mind. 

Camillo. Yea, say you so? 

There shall not at your father's house these seven 

years 
Be born another such. 
Florizel. My good Camillo, 

She is as forward of her breeding as 590 

She is i' the rear our birth. 

Camillo. I cannot say 't is pity 

She lacks instructions, for she seems a mistress 
To most that teach. 

Perdita. Your pardon, sir ; for this 

I '11 blush you thanks. 

Florizel. My prettiest Perdita! 

But O, the thorns we stand upon! Camillo, 595 

Preserver of my father, now of me. 
The medicine of our house", how shall we do? 
We are not furnish 'd like Bohemia's son. 
Nor shall appear in* Sicilia. 
Camillo. My lord, 

599 appear = appear so. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 83 

Fear none of this : I think you know my fortunes eoo 

Do all lie there : it shall be so my care 

To have you royally appointed as if 

The scene you play were mine. For instance, sir, 

That you may know you shall not want, one word. 

{They talk aside. 
Re-enter Autolycus. 

Autolycus. Ha, ha! what a fool Honesty is! and eos 
Trust, his sworn brother, a very simple gentle- 
man! I have sold all my trumpery; not a counter- 
feit stone, not a ribbon, glass, pomander, brooch, 
table-book, ballad, knife, tape, glove, shoe-tie, 
bracelet, horn-ring, to keep my pack from fasting : eio 
they throng who should buy first, as if my trinkets 
had been hallowed and brought a benediction to 
the buyer: by which means I saw whose purse 
was best in picture; and what I saw, to my good 
use I remembered. My clown, who wants but eis 
something to be a reasonable man, grew so in 
love with the wenches' song, that he would not 
stir his pettitoes till he had both tune and words ; 
which so drew the rest of the herd to me that all 
their other senses stuck in ears : I could have filed 620 
keys off that hung in chains: no hearing, no feel- 

608 pomander = a ball of perfume for the pocket. 609 table-book = 
tablets for memoranda. 612 hallowed, i.e., by the Pope's blessing. 

614 best in pictm-e = looked best. 618 pettitoes = pigs' feet ; used 

in ridicule. 



84 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

ing, but my sir's song, and admiring the nothing 
of it. So that in this time of lethargy I picked 625 
and cut most of their festival purses; and had not 
the old man come in with a whoo-bub against 
his daughter and the king's son and scared my 
choughs from the chaff, I had not left a purse 
aHve in the whole army. eso 

[Camillo, Florizel, and Perdita come forward. 

Camillo. Nay, but my letters, by this means being 

there 
So soon as you arrive, shall clear that doubt. 
Florizel. And those that you '11 procure from King 

Leontes — 
Camillo. Shall satisfy your father. 
Perdita. Happy be you! 

All that you speak shows fair. 
Camillo. Who have we here? ess 

[Seeing Autolycus. 

We '11 make an instrument of this, omit 

Nothing may give us aid. 

Autolycus. If they have overheard me now, why, 

hanging. 

Camillo. How now, good fellow ! why shakest thou 640 

so? Fear not, man; here's no harm intended to 

thee. 

Autolycus. I am a poor fellow, sir. 

629 choughs = crows or jackdaws. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 85 

Camillo. Why, be so still; here 's nobody will steal 
that from thee : yet for the outside of thy poverty 645 
we must make an exchange; therefore disease thee 
instantly, — thou must think there 's a necessity 
in 't, — and change garments with this gentleman: 
though the pennyworth on his side be the worst, 
yet hold thee, there 's some boot. eso 

Autolycus. I am a poor fellow, sir. [Aside] I know 
ye weU enough. 

Camillo. Nay, prithee, dispatch: the gentleman is 
half flayed already. 

Autolycus. Are you in earnest, sir? [Aside] I smeU ess 
the trick on 't. 

Florizel. Dispatch, I prithee. 
Autolycus. Indeed, I have had earnest; but I can- 
not with conscience take it. 
Camillo. Unbuckle, unbuckle. eeo 

[Florizel and Autolycus exchange garments. 
Fortunate mistress, you must retire yourself 
Into some covert : take your sweetheart's hat 
And pluck it o'er your brows, muffle your face. 
Dismantle you, and, as you can, disliken ees 

The truth of your own seeming. 
Perdita. The play so lies 

That I must bear a part. 

646 disease = undress. 650 some boot = something to boot, i. e. , money. 

658 earnest = money to seal a bargain. 

665 disliken, etc. = disguise your real looks. 



86 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Camillo. No remedy. 

Have you done there? 

Florizel. Should I now meet my father, 67o 

He would not call me son. 

Camillo. Nay, you shall have no hat. 

[Giving it to Perdita. 

Come, lady, come. Farewell, my friend. 
Autolycus. Adieu, sir. 

Florizel. O Perdita, what have we twain forgot ! 
Pray you, a word. 
Camillo. [Aside] What I do next shall be to tell the 

king ^'^5 

Of this escape and whither they are bound; 
Wherein my hope is I shall so prevail 
To force him after: in whose company 
I shall review Sicilia, for whose sight 
I have a woman's longing. 

Floiizel. Fortune speed us! eso 

Thus we set on, Camillo, to the sea-side. 
Camillo. The swifter speed the better. 

[Exetint Florizel, Perdita, atid Camillo. 
Autolycus. I understand the business, I hear it: to 
have an open ear, a quick eye, and a nimble hand, 
is necessary for a cut-purse ; a good nose is requi- 685 
site also, to smell out work for the other senses. 
I see this is the time that the unjust man doth 

677 so prevail to force = succeed in forcing. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 87 

thrive. What an exchange had this been without 
boot! What a boot is here with this exchange! 
Sure the gods do this year connive at us, and we 69o 
may do any thing extempore. The prince himself 
is about a piece of iniquity, stealing away from his 
father with his clog at his heels : if I thought it 
were a piece of honesty to acquaint the king 695 
withal, I would not do't: I hold it the more 
knavery to conceal it; and therein am I constant 
to my profession. 

Re-enter Clown and Shepherd. 

Aside, aside ; here is more matter for a hot brain : 

every lane's end, every shop, church, session, hang- 7oo 

ing, yields a careful man work. 

Clown. See, see; what a man you are now! There 

is no other way but to tell the king she 's a change- 

Hng and none of your flesh and blood. 705 

Shepherd. Nay, but hear me. 

Clown. Nay, but hear me. 

Shepherd. Go to, then. 

Clown. She being none of your flesh and blood, 

your flesh and blood has not offended the king; 710 

and so your flesh and blood is not to be punished 

by him. Show those things you found about her, 

those secret things, all but what she has with her: 

694 clog = impediment : slang for wife. 696 withal = with it. 
699 hot = active. 713 secret things ; see III, 3, 47, 



88 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

this being done, let the law go whistle : I warrant 
you. 

Shepherd. I will tell the king all, every word, yea, 
and his son's pranks too; who, I may say, is no 
honest man, neither to his father, nor to me, to 
go about to make me the king's brother-in-law. 721 
Clown. Indeed, brother-in-law was the farthest off 
you could have been to him and then your blood 
had been the dearer by I know how much an 
ounce. 

Autolycus. [Aside] Very wisely, puppies! 
Shepherd. Well, let us to the king: there is that 
in this fardel will make him scratch his beard. 
Autolycus. [Aside] I kuow not what impediment 
this complaint may be to the flight of my mas- 730 
ter. 

Clown. Pray heartily he be at palace. 
Autolycus. [Aside] Though I am not naturally hon- 
est, I am so sometimes by chance : let me pocket 

up my pedlar's excrement. [Takes off his false beard.] 

How now, rustics ! whither are you bound ? 
Shepherd. To the palace, an it like your worship. 
Autolycus. Your affairs there, what, with whom, 
the condition of that fardel, the place of your 
dwelling, your names, your ages, of what having, 

724 1 know how much : the clown's blunder for I know not how much, 

727 fardel = package. 734 excrement = hair or beard. 

736 an it like = if you please. 739 having = estate. 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 89 

breeding, and any thing that is fitting to be known, 740 
discover. 

Clown. We are but plain fellows, sir. 
Autolycus. A lie; you are rough and hairy. Let 
me have no lying : it becomes none but tradesmen. 
Shepherd. Are you a courtier, an 't like you, sir? 752 
Autolycus. Whether it like me or no, I am a court- 
ier. Seest thou not the air of the court in these 
enfoldings ? hath not my gait in it the measure of 755 
the court? receives not thy nose court-odour from 
me? reflect I not on thy baseness court-contempt? 
Thinkest thou, for that I insinuate, or toaze from 
thee thy business, I am therefore no courtier? I 
am courtier cap-a-pe; and one that will either push 76o 
on or pluck back thy business there : whereupon I 
command thee to open thy aflkir. 
Shepherd. My business, sir, is to the king. 
Autolycus. What advocate hast thou to him? 765 
Shepherd. I know not, an 't Hke you. 
Clown. Advocate 's the court- word for a pheasant : 
say you have none. 

Shepherd. None, sir; I have no pheasant, cock nor 
hen. 770 

Autolycus. How blessed are we that are not sim- 
ple men! 

755 measure = stately tread. 758 toaze = draw. 

760 cap-a-pe = from head to foot. 
767 pheasant; i.e., to take as a present to the king. 



90 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

Yet nature might have made me as these are, 

Therefore I will not disdain. 

Clown. This cannot be but a great courtier. 

Shepherd. His garments are rich, but he wears 775 

them not handsomely. 

Clown, He seems to be the more noble in being 

fantastical : a great man, I '11 warrant ; I know by 

the picking on 's teeth. 

Autolycus. The fardel there? what 's i' the fardel? 78o 

Wherefore that box ? 

Shepherd. Sir, there lies such secrets in this fardel 

and box, which none must know but the king; and 

which he shall know within this hour, if I may 

come to the speech of him. 785 

Autolycus. Age, thou hast lost thy labour. 

Shepherd. Why, sir? 

Autolycus. The king is not at the palace; he is 

gone aboard a new ship to purge melancholy and 

air himself: for, if thou beest capable of things 790 

serious, thou must know the king is full of grief. 

Shepherd. So 'tis said, sir; about his son, that 

should have married a shepherd's daughter. 

Autolycus. If that shepherd be not in hand-fast, 

let him fly: the curses he shall have, the tortures 795 

he shall feel, will break the back of man, the heart 

of monster. 

794 hand-fast. =p custody. 



SCENE IV] THE WINTER'S TALE 91 

Clown. Think you so, sir? 

Autolycus. Not he alone shall suffer what wit can 
make heavy and vengeance bitter; but those that soo 
are germane to him, though removed fifty times, 
shall all come under the hangman : which though 
it be great pity, yet it is necessary. An old sheep- 
whistling rogue, to offer to have his daughter come 
into grace ! Some say he shall be stoned ; but that sos 
death is too soft for him, say I : draw our throne 
into a sheep-cote ! all deaths are too few, the sharp- 
est too easy. 

Clown. Has the old man e'er a son, sir, do you hear, 
an 't like you, sir ? sio 

Autolycus. He has a son, who shall be flayed alive ; 
then 'nointed over with honey, set on the head of 
a wasp's nest; then stand till he be three-quarters 
and a dram dead ; then recovered again with aqua- 
vitse or some other hot infusion ; then, raw as he is, sis 
and in the hottest day prognostication proclaims, 
shall he be set against a brick-wall, the sun look- 
ing with a southward eye upon him, where he is 
to behold him with flies blown to death. But what 
talk we of these traitorly rascals, whose miseries 820 
are to be smiled at, their offences being so capi- 
tal? Tell me, for you seem to be honest plain 
men, what you have to the king: being some- 

801 germane = related. 



92 THE WINTER'S TALE [activ 

thing gently considered, I '11 bring you where he 
is aboard, tender your persons to his presence, 825 
whisper him in your behalfs; and if it be in man 
besides the king to effect your suits, here is man 
shall do it. 

Clown. He seems to be of great authority: close 
with him, give him gold; and though authority sso 
be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose 
with gold: show the inside of your purse to the 
outside of his hand, and no more ado. Remember 
* stoned,' and 'flayed alive.' 

Shepherd. An 't please you, sir, to undertake the sss 
business for us, here is that gold I have : I '11 make 
it as much more and leave this young man in 
pawn till I bring it you. 

Autolycus. After I have done what I promised? 
Shepherd. Ay, sir. 84o 

Autolycus. Well, give me the moiety. Are you a 
party in this business ? 

Clown. In some sort, sir : but though my case be a 
pitiful one, I hope I shall not be flayed out of it. 
Autolycus. O, that 's the case of the shepherd's 845 
son: hang him, he '11 be made an example. 
Clown. Comfort, good comfort! We must to the 
king and show our strange sights : he must know 

824 something gently considered = bribed. 

825 tender, i.e., introduce. 
843 case = circumstances ; also skin (Pmi). 



SCENE IV ] THE WINTER'S TALE 93 

'tis none of your daughter nor my sister; we are 
gone else. Sir, I will give you as much as this old 85o 
man does when the business is performed, and re- 
main, as he says, your pawn till it be brought you. 
Autolycics. I will trust you. Walk before toward 
the sea-side; go on the right hand: I will but look 855 
upon the hedge and follow you. 
Clown. We are blest in this man, as I may say, 
even blest. 

Shepherd. Let 's before as he bids us : he was pro- 
vided to do us good. [Exeunt Shepherd and Clown. 860 
Autolycus. If I had a mind to be honest, I see 
Fortune would not suffer me : she drops booties 
in my mouth. I am courted now with a double 
occasion, gold and a means to do the prince my 
master good; which who knows how that may ses 
turn back to my advancement ? I will bring these 
two moles, these blind ones, aboard him: if he 
think it fit to shore them again and that the com- 
plaint they have to the king concerns him noth- 
ing, let him caU me rogue for being so far officious; 87o 
for I am proof against that title and what shame 
else belongs to 't. To him will I present them : 
there may be matter in it. [Exit. 



ACT V 

Scene I. A room in Leontes' palace. 

Enter Leontes, Cleomenes, Dion, Paulina, and Ser- 
vants. 

Cleomenes. Sir, you have done enough, and have 

perform'd 
A saint-hke sorrow: no fault could you make. 
Which you have not redeem'd; indeed, paid down 
More penitence than done trespass: at the last. 
Do as the heavens have done, forget your evil; 5 
With them forgive yourself. 
Leontes. Whilst I remember 

Her and her virtues, I cannot forget 
My blemishes in them, and so still think of 
The wrong I did myself; which was so much, 
That heirless it hath made my kingdom and 10 

Destroy 'd the sweet'st companion. 
Paulina. True, my lord: 

If, one by one, you wedded all the world. 
Or from the all that are took something good. 
To make a perfect woman, she you kill'd 15 

Would be unparallel'd. 
Leontes. I think so. Kill'd! 

She I kill'd ! I did so : but thou strikest me 
Sorely, to say I did; it is as bitter 

8 My blemishes in them, i.e., my sins in comparison with her virtues. 



SCENE I ] THE WINTER'S TALE 95 

Upon thy tongue as in my thought: now, good 

now. 
Say so but seldom. 

Cleomenes. Not at all, good lady : 20 

You might have spoken a thousand things that 

would 
Have graced your kindness better. 
Paulina. You are one of those 

Would have him wed again. There is none 

worthy. 
Respecting her that 's gone. Besides, the gods 35 
Will have fulfill'd their secret purposes ; 
For has not the divine Apollo said 
That King Leontes shall not have an heir 
Till his lost child be found? [To Leontes] Care not 

n . 40 

lor issue ; 46 

The crown will find an heir: great Alexander 
Left his to the worthiest; so his successor 
Was like to be the best. 
Leontes. Good Paulina, 

Who hast the memory of Hermione, 50 

I know, in honour, O, that ever I 
Had squared me to thy counsel! then, even 

now, 
I might have look'd upon my queen's full eyes. 
No more such wives; therefore, no wife. 56 

19 good now : a coaxing term. 35 Respecting = in comparison with. 



96 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

Fear thou no wife; 

I '11 have no wife, Paulina. 

Paulina. Will you swear 

Never to marry but by my free leave ? 70 

Leontes. Never, Paulina ; so be blest my spirit ! 

Paulina. Then, good my lords, bear witness to his 

oath. 
Cleomenes. You tempt him over-much. 
Paulina. Unless another, 

As Uke Hermione as is her picture. 
Affront his eye. 

Cleomenes. Good madam, — 

Paulina. I have done. 75 

Yet, if my lord will marry, give me the office 
To choose you a queen : she shall not be so young 
As was your former. 

Leontes. My true Paulina, 81 

We shall not marry till thou bid'st us. 
Paulina. That 

Shall be when your first queen 's again in breath ; 
Never till then. 

Enter a Gentleman. 

Crcntleman. One that gives out himself Prince 

Florizel, 85 

Son of Polixenes, with his princess, she 
The fairest I have yet beheld, desires access 

75 Affront = meet. 



SCENE I ] THE WINTER'S TALE 97 

To your high presence. 

Leontes. What with him? he comes not 

Like to his father's greatness: his approach. 

So out of circumstance and sudden, tells us 90 

'T is not a visitation framed, but forced 

By need and accident. What train? 

Gentleman. But few, 

And those but mean. 

Leontes. His princess, say you, with him? 

Gentleman. Ay, the most peerless piece of earth, 

I think. 
That e'er the sun shone bright on. 95 

Leontes. Go, Cleomenes; 

Yourself, assisted with your honour 'd friends j 
Bring them to our embracement. Still, 't is strange 

\Exeimt Cleomenes and others. 

He thus should steal upon us. 

Paulina. Had our prince, 115 

Jewel of children, seen this hour, he had pair'd 

Well with this lord : there was not full a month 

Between their births. 

Leontes. Prithee, no more; cease; thou know'st 

He dies to me when talk'd of They are come. 120 

Re-enter Cleomenes and others, with Florizel and Per- 

DITA. 

Most dearly welcome ! were I but twenty- one, 

90 out of circumstance = without ceremony. Camillo's letters have mis- 
carried. IV, 4, 631-3. 



98 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

Your father's image is so hit in you, 127 

His very air, that I should call you brother. 
And your fair princess, — goddess! — O, alas! 
I lost a couple, that 'twixt heaven and earth 
Might thus have stood as you; and then I lost — 
All mine own folly — the society 135 

Of your brave father ; I desire my hfe 
Once more to look on him. 
Florizel. By his command 

Have I here touch 'd Sicilia and from him 
Give you all greetings: you, whom he loves — i40 
He bade me say so— more than all the sceptres 
And those that bear them Uving. 
Leontes. O my brother, 

Good gentleman ! the wrongs I have done thee stir 
Afresh within me. Welcome hither, i^i 

As is the spring to the earth. And hath he too 
Exposed this paragon to the fearful usage, 
At least ungentle, of the dreadful Neptune, 
To greet a man not worth her pains, much less 155 
The adventure of her person ? 
Florizel. Good my lord. 

She came from Libya. 

Leontes. Where the warlike Smalus, 

That noble honour'd lord, is fear'd and loved? 
Florizel. Most royal sir, from thence; from him, 
whose daughter 



SCENE I] THE WINTER'S TALE 99 

His tears proclaim'd his, parting with her : thence, leo 

A prosperous south wind friendly, we have cross' d. 

To execute the charge my father gave me 

For visiting your highness : my best train 

I have from your Sicihan shores dismiss'd; 

Who for Bohemia bend, to signify les 

Not only my success in Libya, sir, 

But my arrival and my wife's in safety 

Here where we are. 

Leontes. The blessed gods 

Purge all infection from our air whilst you 

Do climate here ! You have a holy father, i70 

A graceful gentleman ; against whose person, 

So sacred as it is, I have done sin: 

For which the heavens, taking angry note, 

Have left me issueless; and your father 's blest, 

As he from heaven merits it, with you 175 

Worthy his goodness. What might I have been. 

Might I a son and daughter now have look'd on, 

Such goodly things as you! 

Enter a Lord. 

Lord. Most noble sir. 

That which I shall report will bear no credit. 
Were not the proof so nigh. Please you, great sir, iso 
Bohemia greets you from himself by me ; 
Desires you to attach his son, who has — 

170 climate ~ try the climate, visit. 182 attach = arrest. 



100 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

His dignity and duty both cast off- 
Fled from his father, from his hopes, and with 
A shepherd's daughter. 

Leontes. Where 's Bohemia ? speak, iss 

Lord. Here in your city ; I now came from him : 
Whiles he was hastening, in the chase, it seems, 
Of this fair couple, meets he on the way i9o 

The father of this seeming lady and 
Her brother, having both their country quitted 
With this young prince. 

Florizel. Camillo has betray 'd me; 

Whose honour and whose honesty till now 
Endured all weathers. 

Lord. Lay 't so to his charge : 195 

He 's with the king your father. 
Leontes. Who? Camillo? 

Lord. Camillo, sir; I spake with him; who now 
Has these poor men in question. Never saw I 
Wretches so quake : they kneel, they kiss the earth ; 
Forswear themselves as often as they speak: 200 

Bohemia stops his ears, and threatens them 
With divers deaths in death. 
Perdita. O my poor father! 

The heaven sets spies upon us, will not have 
Our contract celebrated. 
Leontes. You are married? 

198 in question = under examination. 



SCENE I ] THE WINTEK'S TALE 101 

Florizel. We are not, sir, nor are we like to be ; 205 
The stars, I see, will kiss the valleys first. 
Leontes. Is this the daughter of a king? 
Florizel. She is. 

When once she is my wife. 
Leontes. That 'once,' I see by your good father's 

. speed, 210 

Will come on very slowly. I am sorry. 
Most sorry, you have broken from his liking 
Where you were tied in duty, and as sorry 
Your choice is not so rich in worth as beauty. 
That you might well enjoy her. 
Florizel. Dear, look up: 215 

Though Fortune, visible an enemy. 
Should chase us with my father, power no jot 
Hath she to change our loves. Beseech you, sir. 
Remember since you owed no more to time 
Than I do now: with thought of such affections, 220 
Step forth mine advocate; at your request 
My father will grant precious things as trifles. 
Leontes. Would he do so, I 'Id beg your precious 

mistress, 
Which he counts but a trifle. I '11 to your father: 
Therefore follow me: come, good my lord. 

\Exeunt. 

214 worth = rank. 216 visible an enemy = seen to be an enemy. 
219 since = when. 220 such affections, i.e., how you felt then. 



102 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

Scene II. Before Leontes' palace. 

Enter Autolycus and a Gentleman. 

Autolycus. Beseech you, sir, were you present at 
this relation? 

First Gentleman. I was by at the opening of the 
fardel, heard the old shepherd dehver the manner 
how he found it: whereupon, after a httle amazed- 5 
ness, we were aU commanded out of the chamber ; 
only this methought I heard the shepherd say, he 
found the child. 

Autolycus. I would most gladly know the issue 
of it. n 

First G-entleman. The king and CamiUo seemed 
almost, with staring on one another, to tjear the 
cases of their eyes ; there was speech in their dumb- 
ness, language in their very gesture; they looked 15 
as they had heard of a world ransomed, or one 
destroyed ; but the wisest beholder, that knew no 
more but seeing, could not say if the importance 
were joy or sorrow; but in the extremity of the 20 
one, it must needs be. 

Enter another Gentleman. 

Here comes a gentleman that haply knows more. 
The news, Rogero? 

Second Gentleman. Nothing but bonfires: the 
oracle is fulfilled; the king's daughter is found: 25 



SCENE II ] THE WINTER'S TALE 103 

such a deal of wonder is broken out within this 
hour that baUad-makers cannot be able to ex- 
press it. 

Enter a third Gentleman. 

Here comes the Lady Paulina's steward: he can 
dehver you more. How goes it now, sir? this news 
which is called true is so like an old tale, that the 30 
verity of it is in strong suspicion: has the king 
found his heir? 

Third Gentleman. Most true : that which you hear 
you '11 swear you see, there is such unity in the 35 
proofs. The mantle of Queen Hermione's, her 
jewel about the neck of it, the letters of Antigo- 
nus found with it which they know to be his char- 
acter, the majesty of the creature in resemblance 
of the mother, the affection of nobleness which 40 
nature shows above her breeding, and many other 
evidences proclaim her with all certainty to be the 
king's daughter. Did you see the meeting of the 
two kings ? 

Second Gentleman. No. 45 

Third Gentleman. Then have you lost a sight, 
which was to be seen, cannot be spoken of. There 
might you have beheld one joy crown another, so 
and in such manner that it seemed sorrow wept 
to take leave of them, for their joy waded in tears. 50 

27 ballad-makers. Note 26. 37 jewel = jeweled ornament. 



104 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

There was casting up of eyes, holding up of hands, 
with countenances of such distraction that they 
were to be known by garment, not by favour. 
Our king, being ready to leap out of himself for 
joy of his found daughter, as if that joy were now 55 
become a loss, cries 'O, thy mother, thy mother!' 
then asks Bohemia forgiveness ; then embraces his 
son-in-law; then again worries he his daughter 
with clipping her; now he thanks the old shep- 
herd, which stands by like a weather-bitten con- eo 
duit of many kings' reigns. I never heard of such 
another encounter, which lames report to follow 
it and undoes description to do it. 
Second Gentleman. What, pray you, became of 
Antigonus, that carried hence the child ? es 

Third Gentleman. Like an old tale still. He was 
torn to pieces with a bear: this avouches the shep- 
herd's son ; who has not only his innocence, which 70 
seems much, to justify him, but a handkerchief 
and rings of his that Paulina knows. 
First Gentleman. What became of his bark and 
his followers? 

Third Gentleman. Wrecked the same instant of 75 
their master's death and in the view of the shep- 
herd: so that all the instruments which aided to 
expose the child were even then lost when it was 

53 favour = looks. 60 conduit = gargoyle, Note 29. 



SCENE II] THE WINTER'S TALE 105 

found. But O, the noble combat that 'twixt joy 
and sorrow was fought in PauHna! She had one so 
eye dechned for the loss of her husband, another 
elevated that the oracle was fulfilled: she lifted 
the princess from the earth, and so locks her in 
embracing, as if she would pin her to her heart 
that she might no more be in danger of losing, ss 
First Gentleman. The dignity of this act was worth 
the audience of kings and princes; for by such 
was it acted. 

Third Gentleman. One of the prettiest touches of 
all and that which angled for mine eyes, caught 90 
the water though not the fish, was when, at the 
relation of the queen's death, with the manner 
how she came to't bravely confessed and la- 
mented by the king, how attentiveness wounded 
his daughter; till, from one sign of dolour to an- 95 
other, she did, with an 'Alas,' I would fain say, 
bleed tears, for I am sure my heart wept blood. 
Who was most marble there changed colour ; some 
swooned, all sorrowed : if all the world could have 
seen 't, the woe had been universal. 100 

First Gentleman. Are they returned to the court ? 
Third Gentleman. No : the princess hearing of her 
mother's statue, which is in the keeping of Pau- 
Hna, — a piece many years in doing and now newly 

94 attentiveness, i.e., her attention to the account. 



106 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

performed by that rare Italian master, Julio Ro- 105 
mano, who so near to Hermione hath done Her- 
mione that they say one would speak to her and 
stand in hope of answer: thither with aU greedi- 110 
ness of affection are they gone, and there they 
intend to sup. 

Second Gentleman. I thought she had some great 
matter there in hand ; for she hath privately twice 
or thrice a day, ever since the death of Hermione, 115 
visited that removed house. Shall we thither and 
with our company piece the rejoicing? 
First Gentleman. Who would be thence that has 
the benefit of access ? Let 's along. 

[Exeunt Gentlemen. 
Autolycus. Now, had I not the dash of my former 
life in me, would preferment drop on my head. 
I brought the old man and his son aboard the 
prince ; told him I heard them talk of a fardel and 125 
I know not what: but he at that time, overfond 
of the shepherd's daughter, so he then took her 
to be, who began to be much sea-sick, and him- 
self little better, extremity of weather continuing, 
this mystery remained undiscovered. But 't is all 130 
one to me; for had I been the finder out of this 
secret, it would not have relished among my other 
discredits. 

105 performed = completed. 117 piece = add to. 



SCENE II] THE WINTERS TALE 107 

Enter Shepherd and Clown. 

Here come those I have done good to against 

my will, and already appearing in the blossoms 135 

of their fortune. 

Shepherd. Come, boy, I am past moe children, but 

thy sons and daughters will be all gentlemen born. 

Clown. You are well met, sir. You denied to fight 

with me this other day, because I was no gentle- i40 

man born. See you these clothes? say you see 

them not and think me still no gentleman born: 

you were best say these robes are not gentlemen 

born: give me the lie, do, and try whether I am 

not now a gentleman born. 145 

Autolycus. I know you are now, sir, a gentleman 

born. 

Clown. Ay, and have been so any time these four 

hours. 

Shepherd. And so have I, boy. 

Clown. So you have : but I was a gentleman born 150 

before my father; for the king's son took me by 

the hand, and called me brother; and then the 

two kings called my father brother ; and then the 

prince my brother and the princess my sister called 

my father father; and so we wept, and there was 155 

the first gentleman -like tears that ever we shed. 

Shepherd. We may five, son, to shed many more. 

137 moe = more. 



108 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

Clown. Ay; or else 'twere hard luck, being in so 
preposterous estate as we are. 

Autolycus. I humbly beseech you, sir, to pardon leo 
me aU the faults I have committed to your wor- 
ship and to give me your good report to the prince 
my master. 

Shepherd. Prithee, son, do; for we must be gentle, 
now we are gentlemen. i65 

Clown. Thou wilt amend thy life? 
Autolycus. Ay, an it like your good worship. 
Clown. Give me thy hand: I will swear to the 
prince thou art as honest a true feUow as any is 
in Bohemia. 170 

Shepherd. You may say it, but not swear it. 
Clown. Not swear it, now I am a gentleman ? Let 
boors and frankhns say it, 1 11 swear it. 
Shepherd. How if it be false, son ? 
Clown. If it be ne'er so false, a true gentleman 175 
may swear it in the behalf of his friend: and I 'U 
swear to the prince thou art a tall fellow of thy 
hands and that thou wilt not be drunk; but I 
know thou art no tall feUow of thy hands and 
that thou wilt be drunk : but I 'U swear it, and I iso 
would thou wouldst be a tall feUow of thy hands. 
Autolycus. I will prove so, sir, to my power. 

159 preposterous, the clown's blunder for prosperous. 

173 franklins, small landholders of humble family. 

177 a tall fellow of thy hands = a "tall" hand at fighting, brave. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 109 

Clown. Ay, by any means prove a tall fellow: if 
I do not wonder how thou darest venture to be 
drunk, not being a tall fellow, trust me not. Hark! iss 
the kings and the princes, our kindred, are going 
to see the queen's picture. Come, follow us : we '11 
be thy good masters. [Exeunt. 

Scene III. A chapel in Paulina's house. 

Enter Leontes, Polixenes, Florizel, Perdita, Camillo, 
Paulina, Lords^ and Attendants. 

Leontes. O grave and good Pauhna, the great 

comfort 
That I have had of thee! 
Paulina. What, sovereign sir, 

I did not weU I meant well. All my services 
You have paid home: but that you have vouch- 
safed. 
With your crown 'd brother and these your con- 
tracted 5 
Heirs of your kingdoms, my poor house to visit, 
It is a surplus of your grace, which never 
My hfe may last to answer. 
Leontes. O Paulina, 
We honour you with trouble: but we came 
To see the statue of our queen : your gallery lo 
Have we pass'd through, not without much con- 
tent 



no THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

In many singularities; but we saw not 

That which my daughter came to look upon, 

The statue of her mother. 

Paulina. As she lived peerless, 

So her dead likeness, I do weU believe, is 

Excels whatever yet you look'd upon 

Or hand of man hath done ; therefore I keep it 

Lonely, apart. But here it is: prepare 

To see the life as lively mock'd as ever 

StiU sleep mock'd death : behold, and say 't is well. 20 

[Paulina draws a curtain, and discovers Hermione stand- 
ing like a statue. 

I like your silence, it the more shows off 
Your wonder: but yet speak; first, you, my liege. 
Comes it not something near? 
Leontes. Her natural posture! 

Chide me, dear stone, that I may say indeed 
Thou art Hermione; or rather, thou art she 25 

In thy not chiding, for she was as tender 
As infancy and grace. But yet, Paulina, 
Hermione was not so much wrinkled, nothing 
So aged as this seems. 
Polixenes, O, not by much. 

Paulina. So much the more our carver's excel- 
lence ; 30 
Which lets go by some sixteen years and makes 
her 

12 singularities = rarities. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 111 

As she lived now. 

Leontes. As now she might have done, 

So much to my good comfort. Thus she stood, 

Even with such hfe of majesty, warm hfe, 35 

As now it coldly stands, when first I woo'd her! 

I am ashamed: does not the stone rebuke me 

For being more stone than it? O royal piece 

There 's magic in thy majesty, which has 

From thy admiring daughter took the spirits, 41 

Standing hke stone with thee. 

Perdita. And give me leave, 

And do not say 't is superstition, that 

I kneel and then implore her blessing. Lady, 

Dear queen, that ended when I but began, 45 

Give me that hand of yours to kiss. 

Paulina. O, patience! 

The statue is but newly fix'd, the colour 's 

Not dry. 

Camillo. My lord, your sorrow was too sore laid on. 

Which sixteen winters cannot blow away, 50 

So many summers dry : scarce any joy 

Did ever so long Uve ; no sorrow 

But kill'd itself much sooner. 

Poliocenes. Dear my brother, 

Let him that was the cause of this have power 

To take off so much grief from you as he 55 

48 Not dry : painted statues were common in the ancient and middle ages. 



112 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

Will piece up in himself. 

Paulina. Indeed, my lord, 

If I had thought the sight of my poor image 

Would thus have wrought you, — for the stone is 

mine — 
I Id not have show'd it. 

Leontes, Do not draw the curtain. 

Paulina. No longer shall you gaze on 't, lest your 

fancy eo 

May think anon it moves. 
Leontes. Let be, let be. 

Would I were dead, but that, methinks, already — 
What was he that did make it? See, my lord. 
Would you not deem it breathed? and that those 

veins 
Did verily bear blood ? 

Poliaoenes. Masterly done: 65 

The very hfe seems warm upon her lip. 
Leontes. The fixure of her eye has motion in 't. 
As we are mock'd with art. 

Paulina. I 11 draw the curtain: 

My lord 's almost so far transported that 
He '11 think anon it lives. 

Leontes. O sweet Paulina, 70 

Make me to think so twenty years together! 

62 Would I were dead = the modern oath, I hope to die. 
67 fixure = direction. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 113 

No settled senses of the world can match 
The pleasure of that madness. Let 't alone. 
Paulina. I am sorry, sir, I have thus far stirr'd 

you: but 
I could afflict you farther. 

Leontes. Do, Paulina; 75 

For this affliction has a taste as sweet 
As any cordial comfort. Still, methinks, 
There is an air comes from her: what fine chisel 
Could ever yet cut breath ? Let no man mock me. 
For I will kiss her. 

Paulina. Good my lord, forbear : so 

The ruddiness upon her hp is wet; 
You '11 mar it if you kiss it, stain your own 
With oily painting. Shall I draw the curtain ? 
Leontes. No, not these twenty years. 
Perdita. So long could I 

Stand by, a lodker on. 

Paulina. Either forbear, 85 

Quit presently the chapel, or resolve you 
For more amazement. If you can behold it, 
I '11 make the statue move indeed, descend 
And take you by the hand: but then you 'U think — 
Which I protest against — I am assisted 90 

By wicked powers. 

Leontes. What you can make her do, 

I am content to look on : what to speak, 



114 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

I am content to hear ; for 't is as easy 

To make her speak as move. 

Paulina. It is required 

You do awake your faith. Then all stand still; 95 

On : those that think it is unlawful business 

I am about, let them depart. 

Leontes. Proceed : 

No foot shall stir. 

Paulina. Music, awake her; strike! [Music. 

'T is time ; descend ; be stone no more ; approach ; 

Strike all that look upon with marvel. Come, 100 

I 'U fin your grave up : stir, nay, come away. 

Bequeath to death your numbness, for from him 

Dear life redeems you. You perceive she stirs : 

[Hermione comes down. 

Start not ; her actions shall be holy as 

You hear my spell is lawful: do not shun her 105 

Until you see her die again ; for then 

You kiU her double. Nay, present your hand : 

When she was young you woo'd her; now in age 

Is she become the suitor? 

Leontes. O, she 's warm I 

If this be magic, let it be an art ^ 110 

Lawful as eating. 

Polixenes. She embraces him. 

Camillo. She hangs about his neck: 

If she pertain to life let her speak too. 



SCENE III] THE WINTER'S TALE 115 

Poliocenes. Ay, and make't manifest where she 

has lived. 
Or how stolen from the dead. 

Paulina. That she is living, 115 

Were it but told you, should be hooted at 
Like an old tale: but it appears she lives. 
Though yet she speak not. Mark a little while. 
Please you to interpose, fair madam : kneel 
And pray your mother's blessing. Turn, good lady; 120 
Our Perdita is found. 

Hermione. You gods, look down 

And from your sacred vials pour your graces 
Upon my daughter's head ! Tell me, mine own. 
Where hast thou been preserved? where lived? 

how found 
Thy father's court? for thou shalt hear that I, 125 
Knowing by Paulina that the oracle 
Gave hope thou wast in being, have preserved 
Myself to see the issue. 

Paulina. There 's time enough for that; 

You precious winners all: your exultation 131 

Partake to every one. I, an old turtle. 
Will wing me to some wither 'd bough and there 
My mate, that 's never to be found again. 
Lament till I am lost. 

131 precious winners = winners of something precious. 
131 your exultation partake = communicate your joy. 



116 THE WINTER'S TALE [actv 

Leontes. O, peace, Paulina! 135 

Thou shouldst a husband take by my consent, 
As I by thine a wife: this is a match, 
And made between 's by vows. Thou hast found 

mine; 
But how, is to be.question'd; for I saw her, 
As I thought, dead, and have in vain said many 140 
A prayer upon her grave. I '11 not seek far — 
For him, I partly know his mind -^ to find thee 
An honourable husband. Come, Camillo, 
And take her by the hand, whose worth and hon- 
esty 
Is richly noted and here justified 145 

By us, a pair of kings. This is your son-in-law 
And son unto the king, who, heavens directing, 150 
Is troth-plight to your daughter. Good Pauhna, 
Lead us from hence, where we may leisurely 
Each one demand and answer to his part 
Perform'd in this wide gap of time since first 
We were dissever'd: hastily lead away. [Exeunt. 155 

151 troth-plight = pUghted, betrothed. 



NOTES 

Note 1. At the time the Shakespearean plays were composed, the 
English language was in a transitional state. Its syntax generally 
was that of its parent Anglo-Saxon, modified in details by the 
influence of Latin and Norman-French. This grafting of Latin 
usages upon Anglo-Saxon or Early English, added to the confu- 
sion incident to the dropping of old inflections, justified Eliza- 
bethan authors in exercising a freedom of invention which could 
not have been granted at any subsequent date. Consequently 
they experimented in new words and combinations, some of which 
are now firmly fixed in the language, so that they do not appear 
strange to us ; others are found only in poetry ; while still others 
failed to survive except as they appear in the literature of that 
date. This bold handling of the language was due to "a spirit 
which preferred clearness and vigor of expression to logical sym- 
metry." Certain irregularities which occur in the present play 
would require special study ; but in the main, the old or transient 
forms used may be grouped under a few general headings. 

Note 2. Ellipsis, that is, the omission of letters or words for the sake 
of brevity, generally when the meaning can be easily followed : 
she (whom) I can hook to me. II, 3, 6. 

Note 3. The use of one part of speech for another : wliilst you do cU- 
mate here. V, 1, 170. 
Under this heading may be classed : 

{a) The use of one auxiliary, or one part of the verb to he, for an- 
other : / have seen a lady's nose that has been blue. II, 1, 14. 
(6) The interchanging of pronouns and of participles : Not she 
which hums in't. 11, 3, 116. 

(c) The use of an intransitive verb transitively : and falling a lip 
of much contempt. I, 2, 372. 

Note 4. Doubling for emphasis : Not for because your brows are 
blacker. II, 1, 7. 

Note 5. Obsolete usages : 

(a) Obsolete words : that I insinuate or toaze from thee thy busi- 
ness. IV, 4, 759. 
(6) Obsolete forms : / was not much afeard. IV, 4, 452. 

(c) Obsolete constructions : you have made fault i' the boldness of 
your speech. Ill, 2, 218. 

(d) Obsolete meanings : again worries he his daughter with clipping 
her. V, 2, 58. 

Note 6. The use of abstract nouns in the plural where modern use de- 
mands the singular : Hold your peaces. II, 1, 139. 



118 NOTES 

Note 7. The transposition of words or phrases : bid these unknoTvn 
friends to us welcome. IV, 4, 65. 

(a) A peculiar and beautiful form of transposition which is a fa- 
vorite with Shakespeare is illustrated in III, 2, 206. 

Note 8. Ungrammatical constructions due to lack of care on the part 
of the author : whose loss of his most precious queen and children 
are even now to be afresh lamented. TV, 2, 26. 

Note 9. Pp. 3, 29. This play abounds in elliptical passages, the lan- 
guage in many places being so condensed as to make its interpre- 
tation very difficult. These portions have generally been omitted. 

Note 10. P. 4. The stages of a royal journey or " progress " were pre- 
arranged and written in a scroll which was called a gest. Gest 
originally meant a stopping-place ; hence, the part of a journey 
between rests ; here, by a figure of speech, the limit of time in- 
stead of the place. 

Note 11. Pp. 5, 73. In old times a bargain was closed by the parties 
to the agreement clasping hands. The ceremony was especially 
used in the betrothal of lovers. 

Note 12. P. 16. Spiders were considered poisonous and were some- 
times used for the purpose of assassination, mixed in a drink, 
either alone or in combination with other poisons. According to 
some authorities it was necessary for the victim to find the spider 
in the cup after he had drunk. 

Note 13. Pp. 20, 34, 44. Delphos or Delphi was a small village in 
Phocis, about six miles inland, north of the gulf of Corinth, and 
on the side of Mount Parnassus. Here was the famous temple to 
Apollo which sheltered the greatest of the Greek oracles. The 
priest in the temple received the message of the god in reply to the 
inquiry of a: visitor and frequently rendered the answer in a mys- 
terious or ambiguous form. Thus it was possible to keep alive the 
faith of the superstitious, unscientific people of ancient Greece. 
Shakespeare follows the mistake of an earlier writer in making 
Delphos an island. In the same way he gives Bohemia a sea- 
shore, and must be forgiven for inconsistencies of time and place 
which would be inexcusable in these days, when care is taken to 
secure accuracy in every detail. 

Note 14. Pp. 23, 31. The ancient Romans, in common with our Teu- 
tonic ancestors, had a custom which gave the father the right to 
say whether the new-born child should be allowed to live or not. 
The infant was laid on the ground before him and if he refused to 
take it up it was either killed or "exposed"; and this is still the 
fate of countless infants in many barbarian and savage nations. 
The rejected child was exposed by being placed in some desolate 



NOTES 119 

spot. Moses and Cyrus are famous examples of exposed children. 
In the early Christian days these abandoned infants were some- 
times rescued by nuns who brought them up in the service of the 
church ; sometimes they were saved by kind-hearted peasants ; 
but most frequently they must have perished miserably. 
Shakespeare illustrates these old customs in this play, although 
he does not directly refer to them. 

Note 15. P. 26. In the Age of Chivalry the "trial by combat" was 
often resorted to in defense of a person's life or character. The 
knight who undertook in this manner to establish the character 
or to save the life of his friend, rode armed into the hsts in the 
presence of the king or duke and challenged the enemy or ene- 
mies of that friend to meet him one after another. The guilt or 
innocence of the friend was supposed to be estabhshed by the re- 
sult of the combat. 

Converting this custom into a metaphor, Paulina says of the 
queen that she would "make her good" "by combat" if she 
were a man, even the weakest of those there present. 

Note 16. P. 28. The valley. The meaning of the word here is uncer- 
tain ; perhaps dimple, perhaps the httle hollow leading from the 
septum of the nose down the upper lip, a feature which is quite no- 
ticeable in a baby. 

Note 17. P. 32. In all parts of the world there are traditions of the 
adoption of children by animals, especially by wolves. The fabled 
founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were suckled by a wolf. 
Mowgli, whom Mr. Kiphng has transferred from the legends of 
the hill-folk of India to the pages of The Jungle Book, is another 
example. 

Note 18. P. 48. A bowl of flap-dragon was made by adding to liquor 
some small, floating sweetmeats which were combustible. They 
were set on fire and the liquor stirred with a candle-end and 
drunk blazing. 

Note 19. Pp. 52, Q6. Shakespeare's plays are interspersed with songs 
which vary greatly in style. In those of Autolycus he uses the 
style of the ditty of his time, vdth its jingles and refrains of jolly 
nonsense ; the meaning of the words of these refrains, as dildo and 
fading, have been lost. Many of Mother Goose's Rhymes, certain 
college songs, and some songs on the comic stage are survivals of 
this type of verse. 

Note 20. P. 53. The Autolycus of Greek mjrthology was a noted thief, 
the son of Mercury who was the god of thieving. His name- 
sake in The Winter's Tale, the "snapper-up of unconsidered (un- 
guarded) trifles," "traffics" in sheets, stealing the large pieces of 



120 NOTES 

new linen spread on the hedges to bleach, leaving smaller bits to 
the birds. Being too cowardly to attempt highway robbery, which 
involves "gallows and knock," he finds his easy revenue in petty 
thieving, or, as he calls it, "the silly cheat." 

Note 21. Pp. 59, 62. Jupiter became a bull and carried ofF Europa on 
his back. Neptune in the form of a ram courted Theophane. Apollo 
as a shepherd wooed the timid Daphne whom her father turned 
into a tree. Juno was the wife of Jupiter, and queen of the gods. 
Cytherea is another name for Venus, goddess of love. Phcebus, the 
sun-god, is Apollo. 

Note 22. P. 61. Gillyvors. Perdita dislikes these flowers because their 
variegation ("piedness") is produced by art, not nature; she 
classes them with painted women, whom she despises. 

Note 23. P. 62. Proserpina was the daughter of the goddess Ceres. 
While she was gathering flowers, Pluto, or Dis, driving past in 
his chariot, snatched her up and carried her down to Hades, where 
she was obliged to stay half of every year. 

Note 24. P. 63. Whitsunday, or Pentecost, occurs seven weeks after 
Easter; it was celebrated in England with festivities which in- 
cluded rustic dramas, called pastorals. 

Note 25. P. 63. Still betters what is done, etc. "Whatever you do 
always seems the best that you or any one could do." Each your 
doing, etc., 1. 143 : "Each of your acts, so unparalleled in every re- 
spect, crowns itself as the best, so that all your acts are queens." 

Note 26. Pp. 68, 103. In Shakespeare's time any unusual event would 
be seized upon by inferior poets and woven into verse to be sung 
as a ballad. Several remarkable " fish-stories " of the period in the 
form of ballads are still preserved. 

Note 27. P. 70. The satyrs were less important deities, or demi-gods of 
the woods, companions of the nymphs and dryads. Their bodies, 
half man, half goat (according to some authorities), were covered 
with rough hair ; their behavior was rude and mischievous. 

Note 28. P. 72. If your lass interpretation, etc. "If your lass should 
pretend that she did not understand you, and should say that 
you lacked love or generosity, you would find it hard to reply." 

Note 29. P. 104. Conduits or water-pipes in old houses often ended in 
a gargoyle, a figure carved in stone. The old shepherd, weeping 
for joy, is said to resemble an old conduit that has stood the 
weather through "many kings' reigns." 



EXTRACTS 

These extracts are pithy, noted, or exquisite passages which are 
recommended as worthy of special attention or memorizing. 



With a countenance as clear "*■ 

As friendship wears at feasts. Jet 1, Scene 2, line SJfS. 

Swear his thought over 
By each particular star in heaven and 
By all their influences, you may as well 
Forbid the sea for to obey the moon 
As or by oath remove or counsel shake 
The fabric of his folly. Act 1, Scene 2, line ^H- 

There may be in the cup 
A spider steep'd, and one may drink, depart. 
And yet partake no venom, for his knowledge 
Is not infected : but if one present 
The abhorr'd ingredient to his eye, make known 
How he hath drunk, he cracks his gorge, his sides. 
With violent hefts. I have drunk, and seen the spider. 

Act 2, Scene 1, line 39. 

These petty brands 
That calumny doth use. Act 2, Scene 1, line 71. 

Calumny will sear 
Virtue itself Act 2, Scene 1, line 73. 

Good my lords, 
I am not prone to weeping, as our sex 
Commonly are ; the want of which vain dew 
Perchance shall dry your pities : but I have 
That honourable grief lodged here which burns 
Worse than tears drown. Act 2, Scene 1, line 107. 

The silence often of pure innocence 

Persuades when speaking fails. Act 2, Scene 2, line Jfl. 

Slander, 
Whose sting is sharper than the sword's. 

Act 2, Scene 3, line 86. 



122 EXTRACTS 

If powers divine 
Behold our human actions, as they do, 
I doubt not then but innocence shall make 
False accusation blush and tyranny 
Tremble at patience. Act 3, Scene 2, line 29. 

For life, I prize it 
As I weigh grief, which I would spare: for honour, 
'Tis a derivative from me to mine. 
And only that I stand for. Act S, Scene 2, line JfS. 

Hermione. The Emperor of Russia was my father : 

O that he were alive, and here beholding 

His daughter's trial! that he did but see - 

The flatness of my misery, yet with eyes 

Of pity, not revenge! Act 3, Scene 2, line 120. 

No richer than his honour. Act 3, Scene 2, line 171. 

What 's gone and what 's past help 
Should be past grief Act 3, Scene 2, line 223. 

A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. Act Jf., Scene 3, line 26. 

Having flown over many knavish professions, he settled only 
in rogue. Act Jf, Scene 3, line 105. 

Jog on, jog on, the foot-path way. 

And merrily hent the stile-a: 
A merry heart goes all the day, 
' Your sad tires in a mile-a. 

Act Jf, Scene 3, line 132. 

For you there 's rosemary and rue ; these keep 

Seeming and savour all the winter long: 

Grace and remembrance be to you both. 

And welcome. Act Jf, Scene Jf, line 74- 

The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun. 

And with him rises weeping. Act Jf, Scene Jf, line 105. 

O Proserpina, 
For the flowers now, that, frighted, thou let'st fall 
From Dis's waggon! daffodils. 
That come before the swallow dares, and take 



EXTRACTS 123 

The winds of March with beauty ; violets dim. 

But sweeter than the hds of Juno's eyes. 

Or Cytherea's breath ; pale primroses. 

That die unmarried, ere they can behold 

Bright Phoebus in his strength — a malady 

Most incident to maids ; bold oxlips and 

The crown imperial. Act 4, Scene Jf., line 116. 

When you do dance, I wish you 
A wave o' the sea, that you might ever do 
Nothing but that ; move still, still so. 
And own no other function. Act 4, Scene Jf, line IJfi. 

He tells her something 
That makes her blood look out : good sooth, she is 
The queen of curds and cream. Act 4, Scene Jf, line 159. 

There is not half a kiss to choose 
Who loves another best. Act Jf, Scene Jf, line 175. 

Were I crown'd the most imperial monarch. 
Thereof, most worthy, were I the fairest youth 
That ever made eye swerve, had force and knowledge. 
More than was ever man's, I would not prize them 
Without her love ; for her employ them all. 

Act Jf, Scene Jf, line 382. 

The selfsame sun that shines upon his court. 

Hides not his visage from our cottage but 

Looks on alike. Act Jf, Scene Jf, line JfSJf. 

Not for Bohemia, nor the pomp that may 

Be thereat glean'd, for all the sun sees or 

The close earth holds or the profound seas hide 

In unknown fathoms, will I break my oath 

To this my fair beloved. Act Jf, Scene Jf, line 4-98. 

Camillo. Prosperity's the very bond of love. 

Whose fresh complexion and whose heart together 

Affliction alters. 

Pei'dita. One of these is true : 

I think affliction may subdue the cheek. 

But not take in the mind. Act Jf, Scene Jf, line 583. 



124 EXTRACTS 

This is the time that the unjust man doth thrive. 

Act 4, Scene J/., line 687. 

The gods do this year connive at us, and we may do anything 
extempore. Act 4, Scene Jf, line 690. 

Though authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the 
nose with. gold. Act J/., Scene J/., line 830. 

As every present time doth boast itself 

Above a better gone. Act 5, Scene 1, line 96. 

Women will love her, that she is a woman 
More worth than any man ; men, that she is 
The rarest of all women. Act 5, Scene 1, line 110. 

Welcome hither. 
As is the spring to the earth. Act 5, Scene 1, line 151. 

What fine chisel 
Could ever yet cut breath? Act 5, Scene 3, line 78. 



PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 

A Little Play selected from the Fourth Act, 
Scene Four 

1[ 

Costuming and some simple scenery will be necessary to present the 
play apjyropriaiely. It may be lengthened by adding all of Scene 3 
and lines 181 to 3S0 of Scene J/, as abridged in this edition. The 
cast of characters should explain their relations to each other. 

Scene. The Shepherd's cottage. 

Enter Florizel and Perdita. 

Florizel. These youv unusual weeds to each part of you 

Do give a Hfe : no shepherdess, but Flora 

Peering in April's front. This your sheep-shearing 

Is as a meeting of the petty gods, 

And you the queen on 't. 

Perdita. Sir, my gracious lord. 

To chide at your extremes it not becomes me : 

O, pardon, that I name them ! Your high self. 

The gracious mark o' the land, you have obscured 

With a swain's wearing, and me, poor lowly maid, 

Most goddess-like prank'd up : but that our feasts 

In every mess have folly and the feeders 

Digest it with a custom, I should blush 

To see you so attired. 

Florizel. I bless the time 

When my good falcon made her flight across 

Thy father's ground. 

Perdita. Now Jove afford you cause! 

To me the difference forges dread ; your greatness 

Hath not been used to fear. Even now I tremble 

To think your father, by some accident. 

Should pass this way as you did : O, the Fates ! 

How would he look.? What would he say? Or how 

Should I, in these my borrow'd flaunts, behold 

The sternness of his presence ? 

Florizel. Apprehend 

Nothing but jollity. The gods themselves. 



126 PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 

Humbling their deities to love, have taken 

The shapes of beasts. Their transformations 

Were never for a piece of beauty rarer. 

Perdita. O, but, sir. 

Your resolution cannot hold, when 't is 

Opposed, as it must be, by the power of the king. 

Florizel. Thou dearest Perdita, 

With these forced thoughts, I prithee, darken not 

The mirth o' the feast. Or I '11 be thine, my fair. 

Or not my father's. To this I am most constant. 

Though destiny say no. Be merry, gentle; 

Strangle such thoughts as these with any thing 

That you behold the while. Your guests are coming: 

Lift up your countenance, as it were the day 

Of celebration of that nuptial which 

We two have sworn shall come. Your guests approach: 

Address yourself to entertain them sprightly. 

And let 's be red with mirth. 

Enter Shepherd, Clown, Mopsa, Dorcas, and others, with 
PoLiXENES and Camillo disguised. 

Shepherd. Fie, daughter! You are retired. 

As if you were a feasted one and not 

The hostess of the meeting: pray you, bid 

These unknown friends to 's welcome; for it is 

A way to make us better friends, more known. 

Come, quench your blushes and present yourself 

That which you are, mistress o' the feast: come on. 

And bid us welcome to your sheep-shearing, 

As your good flock shall prosper. 

Perdita. [To Polixenes] Sir, welcome: 

It is my father's will I should take on me 

The hostess-ship o' the day. [To Camillo] You 're welcome, sir. 

Give me those flowers there, Dorcas. Reverend sirs. 

For you there's rosemary and rue; these keep 

Seeming and savour all the winter long: 

Grace and remembrance be to you both. 

And welcome to our shearing! 

Polixenes. Shepherdess, — 

A fair one are you — well you fit our ages 

With flowers of wint*'v. 



PERDITA AND FLOMZEL 127 

Perdita. Sir, the year growing ancient. 

Not yet on summer's death, nor on the birth 

Of trembhng winter, the fairest flowers o' the season 

Are our carnations and streak'd gillyvors. 

And of that kind our rustic garden 's barren. 

Here's flowers for you; 

Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram; 

The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun 

And with him rises weeping: these are flowers 

Of middle summer, and I think they are given 

To men of middle age. You 're very welcome. 

Camillo. I should leave grazing, were I of your flock. 

And only live by gazing. 

Perdita. Out, alas! 

You 'Id be so lean, that blasts of January 

Would blow you through and through. Now, my fair'st friend, 

I would I had some flowers o' the spring that might 

Become your time of day; and yours, and yours. 

O Proserpina, 

For the flowers now, that frighted thou let'st fall 

From Dis's waggon! daffodils. 

That come before the swallow dares, and take 

The winds of March with beauty ; violets dim. 

But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes 

Or Cytherea's breath; pale primroses. 

That die unmarried, ere they can behold 

Bright Phoebus in his strength — a malady 

Most incident to maids; bold oxlips and 

The crown imperial ; lilies of all kinds. 

The flower-de-luce being one! O, these I lack. 

To make you garlands of, and my sweet friend. 

To strew him o'er and o'er! 

Florizel. What, like a corse? 

Perdita. No, like a bank for love to lie and play on; 

Not like a corse ; or if, not to be buried. 

But quick and in mine arms. Come, take your flowers: 

Methinks I play as I have seen them do 

In Whitsun pastorals : sure this robe of mine 

Does change my disposition. 

Florizel. What you do 

Still betters what is done. When you speak, sweet. 



128 PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 

I 'Id have you do it ever : when you sing, 

I 'Id have you buy and sell so, so give alms. 

Pray so ; and, for the ordering your affairs. 

To sing them too: when you do dance, I wish you 

A wave o' the sea, that you might ever do 

Nothing but that; move still, still so. 

And own no other function. 

Perdita. O Doricles, 

Your praises are too large. 

Florizel. Come; our dance, I pray: 

Your hand, my Perdita: so turtles pair, 

That never mean to part. 

Polixenes. This is the prettiest low-born lass that ever 

Ran on the green-sward: nothing she does or seems 

But smacks of something greater than herself, 

Too noble for this place. 

Caviillo. He tells her something 

That makes her blood look out : good sooth, she is 

The queen of curds and cream. 

Clown. Come on, strike up ! 

Dorcas. Mopsa must be your mistress: marry, garlic. 

To mend her kissing with ! 

Mopsa. Now, in good time! 

Clown. Not a word, a word ; we stand upon our manners. 

Come, strike up! 

\Music. Here a dance of Shepherds and Shepherdesses. 
Polixenes. Pray, good shepherd, what fair swain is this 
Which dances with your daughter.'' 
Shepherd. They call him Doricles. 
He says he loves my daughter: 
I think so too; for never gazed the moon 
Upon the water as he '11 stand and read 
As 't were my daughter's eyes : and, to be plain, 
I think there is not half a kiss to choose 
Who loves another best. 
Polixenes. She dances featly. 

Shepherd. So she does any thing; though I report it, 
That should be silent. 

\Exeunt Shepherds and Shepherdesses, 
Polixenes. [To Camillo] Is it not too far gone.'' 'Tis time to 
part them. 



PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 129 

He 's simple and tells much. [To Florizel] How now, fair 

shepherd! 
Your heart is full of something that does take 
Your mind from feasting. 

Florizel. O, hear me breathe my life 

Before this ancient sir, who, it should seem, 
Hath sometime loved! I take thy hand, this hand. 
As soft as dove's down and as white as it, 
Or Ethiopian's tooth, or the fann'd snow that 's bolted 
By the northern blasts twice o'er. 
Polixenes. What follows this.'' 

How prettily the young swain seems to wash 
The hand was fair before! I have put you out: 
But to your protestation ; let me hear 
What you profess. 

Florizel. Do, and be witness to 't. 

Polixenes. And this my neighbour too? 
Florizel. And he, and more 

Than he, and men, the earth, the heavens, and all : 
That, were I crown'd the most imperial monarch. 
Thereof most worthy, were I the fairest youth 
That ever made eye swerve, had force and knowledge 
More than was ever man's, I would not prize them 
Without her love; for her employ them all. 
Polixenes. Fairly ofFer'd. 

Camillo. This shows a sound affection. 
Shepherd. But, my daughter. 

Say you the like to him.'' 
Perdita. I cannot speak 

So well, nothing so well; no, nor mean better: 
By the pattern of mine own thoughts I cut out 
The purity of his. 

Shepherd. Take hands, a bargain! 

And, friends unknown, you shall bear witness to't: 
I give my daughter to him, and will make 
Her portion equal his. 
Florizel. O, that must be 

r the virtue of your daughter: one being dead, 
I shall have more than you can dream of yet ; 
Enough then for your wonder. But, come on. 
Contract us 'fore these witnesses. 



130 PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 

Shepherd. Come^ your hand; 

And, daughter, yours. 

Polixenes. Soft, swain, awhile, beseech you; 

Have you a father ? 

Florizel. I have: but what of him? 

Polixenes. Knows he of this? 

Florizel. He neither does nor shall. 

Polixenes. Methinks a father 

Is at the nuptial of his son a guest 

That best becomes the table. Pray you once more. 

Is not your father grown incapable 

Of reasonable affairs? is he not stupid 

With age and altering rheums? can he speak? hear? 

Know man from man? dispute his own estate? 

Lies he not bed-rid ? and again does nothing 

But what he did being childish? 

Florizel. No, good sir; 

He has his health and ampler strength indeed 

Than most have of his age. 

Polixenes. By my white beard, 

You offer him, if this be so, a wrong 

Something unfilial: the father should hold some counsel 

In such a business. 

Florizel. I yield all this; 

But for some other reasons, my grave sir. 

Which 't is not fit you know, I not acquaint 

My father of this business. 

Polixenes. Let him know 't. 

Florizel. He shall not. 

Polixenes. Prithee, let him. 

Florizel. No, he must not. 

Shepherd. Let him, my son : he shall not need to grieve 

At knowing of thy choice. 

Florizel. Come, come, he must not. 

Mark our contract. 

Polixenes. Mark your divorce, young sir, 

[Discovering himself. 
Whom son I dare not call; thou art too base 
To be acknowledged: thou a sceptre's heir. 
That thou affect'st a sheep-hook! Thou old traitor, 
I am sorry that by hanging thee I can 



PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 131 

But shorten thy life one week. And thou, fresh piece 

Of excellent witchcraft, who of force must know 

The royal fool thou copest with, — 

Shepherd. O, my heart! 

Polixenes. I '11 have thy beauty scratched with briers, and made 

More homely than thy state. For thee, fond boy. 

If I may ever know thou dost but sigh 

That thou no more shalt see this knack, as never 

I mean thou shalt, we '11 bar thee from succession ; 

Not hold thee of our blood, no, not our kin; 

Follow us to the court. And you, enchantment. 

Worthy enough a herdsman, if ever henceforth thou 

These rural latches to his entrance open. 

Or hoop his body more with thy embraces, 

I will devise a death as cruel for thee 

As thou art tender to 't. [Exit. 

Perdita. Even here undone! 

I was not much afeard; for once or twice 

I was about to speak and tell him plainly. 

The selfsame sun that shines upon his court 

Hides not his visage from our cottage but 

Looks on alike. Will 't please you, sir, be gone? 

I told you what would come of this: beseech you. 

Of your own state take care: this dream of mine, — 

Being now awake, I '11 queen it no inch farther. 

But milk my ewes and weep. 

Camillo. Why, how now, father.'' 

Speak ere thou diest. 

Shepherd. I cannot speak, nor think. 

Nor dare to know that which I know. O sir! 

You have undone a man of fourscore three. 

That thought to fill his grave in quiet, yea. 

To die upon the bed my father died. 

To lie close by his honest bones. Undone! 

If I might die within this hour, I have lived 

To die when I desire. [Exit. 

Florizel. Why look you so upon me? 

I am but sorry, not afeard; delay' d. 

But nothing alter'd : what I was, I am. 

Camillo. Gracious my lord. 

You know your father's temper: at this time 



132 PERDITA AND FLORIZEL 

He will allow no speech, which I do guess 

You do not purpose to him ; and as hardly 

Will he endure your sight as yet, I fear : 

Then, till the fury of his highness settle. 

Come not before him. 

Florizel. I not purpose it. 

I think, Camillo? 

Camillo. Even he, my lord. 

Perdita. How often have I told you 'twould be thus! 

How often said, my dignity would last 

But till 'twere known! 

Florizel. ' It cannot fail but by 

The violation of my faith ; and then 

Let nature crush the sides o' the earth together 

And mar the seeds within ! Lift up thy looks : 

From my succession wipe me, father; I 

Am heir to my affection. 

Camillo. Be advised. 

Florizel. I am, and by my fancy: if my reason 

Will thereto be obedient, I have reason; 

If not, my senses, better pleased with madness. 

Do bid it welcome. 

Camillo. This is desperate, sir. 

Florizel. So call it: but it does fulfil my vow; 

I needs must think it honesty. Camillo, 

Not for Bohemia, nor the pomp that may 

Be thereat glean' d, for all the sun sees or 

The close earth holds or the profound seas hide 

In unknown fathoms, will I break my oath 

To this my fair beloved: therefore, I pray you. 

As you have ever been my father's honour'd friend. 

When he shall miss me, — as, in faith, I mean not 

To see him any more, — cast your good counsels 

Upon his passion : let myself and fortune 

Tug for the time to come. [Exeunt. 

Re-enter Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and dance. 

Curtain. 

Follow with a tableau, "The Reconciliation," showing a court 
scene with the two kings blessing the lovers. 



m^^v ./ 



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